Solbakken bets on Haaland to clear their biggest hurdle against Brazil

Norway set to face Brazil in the round of 16 of the World Cup in New York, with kickoff at 2:00am (Bangladesh time) on Monday (July 6). Norway coach Stale Solbakken is banking on Erling Haaland's scoring form and a calm, disciplined defensive approach to help his side clear their biggest hurdle yet — Brazil — and reach a first-ever World Cup quarter-final.

Brazil, chasing a sixth World Cup title, arrive as one of the tournament's clear favourites. Yet the record book offers Norway genuine encouragement, Brazil have never beaten them in four previous meetings. The two sides' last World Cup meeting, in the 1998 group stage, ended in a 2-1 win for Norway.

With a marksman like Haaland leading the line, Norway go into Monday's tie with greater confidence than ever. Still, Solbakken was quick to stress that discipline, not daring, will decide the outcome.

"We have to play our own game, not the occasion. We must make sure we don't get carried away by the moment but stick to our natural style of football. The left and right backs are crucial, but so is supporting our wing-backs so they're not left isolated in one-on-one situations or forced to fight alone. I hope we can stick to our zonal defensive setup — that way, whoever is on the field at the back will get support from a teammate," Solbakken said.

Haaland has been central to Norway's run at this World Cup, scoring five goals so far. Solbakken said he was pleased his side had found ways to consistently supply their talisman, adding that his focus remains on his own team's performance rather than hoping for Brazilian mistakes.

"I think we've found ways to support Haaland and get the ball to him. We're a team that can't afford to just wait for Brazil. We're an attack-minded side. Over 90 or 120 minutes against Brazil, we may have to defend for short or long stretches, but even then we need to stay at our best," he said.

Solbakken also dismissed the idea that Brazil hold the overwhelming edge they once did.

"I don't think they're that huge, a massive favourite, the way they were some years ago... We've also been in good form for a long stretch and have great confidence. We have a good way of playing with the ball, and I think that helps us," he said.
Asked to assess Norway's chances of beating Brazil, Solbakken gave a measured response.

"It's hard to say exactly what percentage chance we have in this match. It could be 60-40 or 70-30. Either way, what matters is that on our day we can hurt Brazil — but for that, we need to be at our very best. Without that, there's no chance. Only if we're at our best, best level will there be an opportunity," he said.