#广场预测世界杯赢40000U World Cup Round of 16: Brazil vs Norway | The team name is not scary, but Brazil has never beaten them.

Some matches seem like a clear mismatch on paper. Brazil vs Norway, the first reaction is naturally that Brazil is stronger. The five-star Brazil, with Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Casemiro, Gabriel Magalhães, any of them is a big name. Norway also has Haaland and Ødegaard, but their national team pedigree is there; it doesn't seem like a team Brazil should fear. That's exactly where the problem lies.

The Brazilian men's national team has indeed never beaten Norway in history. Not just in the last year or two; since the official senior national teams have faced each other, Brazil has 2 draws and 2 losses against Norway.

At the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, Brazil had already advanced, and Norway had to win in the final group match. In the end, Norway actually beat Brazil 2-1. Tore André Flo first equalized, then earned a penalty, and Kjetil Rekdal converted it. To this day, many old fans feel uncomfortable when that match comes up. So for this game, don't just frame it as Vinícius Jr. vs Haaland. The truly interesting part is that Brazil is up against an opponent that isn't a traditional powerhouse but has historically been a thorn in their side.

In their last match, Brazil beat Japan 2-1, but it wasn't easy. Japan scored first through Sano, and Brazil equalized in the second half with Casemiro. It wasn't until the 6th minute of stoppage time that Martinelli put the ball in. This scoreline is very Brazil, and also very dangerous. Brazil has individual ability and the ability to finish in clutch moments, but they already showed Japan some space in the previous game. In knockout rounds, being able to come back once is a skill, but you can't rely on last-minute heroics every time.

Norway is more straightforward. In their last match, they eliminated Côte d'Ivoire 2-1. Nusa scored first, then after Côte d'Ivoire equalized, Haaland sealed the win in the 86th minute. Simply put, Norway doesn't need to dominate possession beautifully; they just need to wait for one cross, one counterattack, one physical duel in the box, and Haaland can turn the game into something else.

The most crucial thing to watch in this match is not whether Brazil's attack can shine, but whether Gabriel can hold Haaland. The two already have history in the Premier League. Arsenal vs Manchester City, Haaland and Gabriel have been physical with each other over the years, and it's never been friendly. Now in a World Cup knockout game, that club rivalry is directly transferred to the national teams. If Brazil's defense fails to hold firm on the first challenge, Haaland doesn't need many chances. But if Gabriel can make his back-to-goal play uncomfortable, Norway's attack will immediately lose half its potency.

There's another small detail that's quite interesting. Norway's fans at this World Cup have become a phenomenon. The "Viking rowing" celebration has gone from the stadium to New York's Times Square, and even Norway's parliament, subway, and air force pilots have joined in. Call it childish or call it a bit overacted, but this kind of thing is very useful in knockout matches. Once a small country's team ties together the emotions of its fans, players, and nation, the game can develop an irrational momentum.

Brazil's strength is still deeper, and their chances of advancing are greater. For Brazil to win, they'd better score early and drag Norway out of their comfortable counter-attacking rhythm. If it remains goalless into the second half, Haaland's moment, a set piece, or the 1998 script resurfacing could really unsettle Brazil fans.

The hot weather for this match, plus the possible absence of Raphinha and Paquetá, also requires Ancelotti to consider his squad selection.

What do you think? Can Brazil finally beat Norway this time? Or will Haaland continue to cause trouble for five-star Brazil?