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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has rejected claims that his team have devised a specific ‘anti-Erling Haaland’ game plan ahead of their crucial World Cup last-16 encounter. The Selecao are set to take on Norway in New Jersey, aiming to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

No special tactics for Haaland

Erling Haaland has already netted five goals in the competition, making him one of the most dangerous forwards in the tournament. Ancelotti, however, remains unfazed by the Manchester City striker’s prolific form. The Italian manager believes his defenders have sufficient experience to deal with such a challenge, given their regular exposure to elite European football.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti stated, “I don’t believe there is anything like an ‘anti-Haaland’ plan. My players don’t need instructions on how to defend him; they have faced each other before. Our squad is in good shape, but we must keep improving. Everyone understands how he plays. I don’t need to explain to my defenders how to handle him.”

Familiar rivals meet at MetLife Stadium

Sunday’s clash at the MetLife Stadium will rekindle several Premier League rivalries on the international stage. Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes is expected to marshal the Brazilian defence, once again coming up against a striker he regularly faces in England. Ancelotti believes this familiarity will aid Brazil as they attempt to reach the quarter-finals, where a potential encounter with either England or Mexico awaits.

“They have played against him several times already, so our focus is on being tactically and mentally prepared,” Ancelotti added. “We are aware of Norway’s strengths; they are a well-organised side with solid structure and strong attacking power. We need to perform at our best level, and I think we are in a position to do that, especially after coming through a tough match against Japan.”

Squad updates and injury news for Brazil

Brazil advanced to the last-16 after a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan, sealed by Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time strike. However, the team’s preparations have been influenced by mixed injury news. Midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the previous round, leaving a gap in midfield. On the brighter side, forward Raphinha could make his return from a thigh injury, providing Ancelotti with additional attacking options.

Norway, meanwhile, face their own fitness concerns as Julian Ryerson and Holmgren Pedersen remain doubtful. Head coach Stale Solbakken remains optimistic that his defence will be able to cope with Brazil’s potent front line.

Solbakken downplays individual battles

Norway boss Stale Solbakken has also stressed that Sunday’s contest in East Rutherford is not solely about Haaland’s duel with Brazil’s centre-back pairing of Gabriel and Marquinhos. While acknowledging the attention surrounding Haaland, Solbakken emphasised that the outcome will depend on teamwork rather than individual performances.

“Brazil possess one of the best central defensive pairings in this tournament — both at the peak of international football,” Solbakken commented. “There will be some fierce battles between them and Erling, but for me, it’s Brazil versus Norway, not one player against another. Brazil are favourites, that’s clear, but we believe we can challenge them. We’ll need to perform at our absolute best; otherwise, we won’t stand a chance.”