Brazil vs Norway Predictions
Brazil survived a major scare against Japan in the round of 32, but another tough contest is expected against a confident Norway side.
I have my money on BTTS, over 2.5 goals and Norway to avoid a 90-minute defeat.
Goals on the Cards on Sunday
- Brazil have seen BTTS in 7 of their last 9 matches
- Brazil have seen over 2.5 goals in 7 of their last 8 matches
- Norway have seen BTTS in 10 of their last 11 matches
- Norway are unbeaten in 18 of their last 20 matches
- Norway have seen over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 10 matches
Norway Unbeaten in Brazil H2H
Brazil and Norway have met four times at international level. Remarkably, the Norwegians remain unbeaten in this fixture, claiming two wins and two draws.
The Scandinavians edged to a 2-1 win in their most recent World Cup encounter in 1998.
Brazil Edge Past Japan
Brazil arrive in New Jersey after securing a dramatic 2-1 win against Japan in the round of 32. Kaishu Sano gave Japan a shock but deserved a first-half lead with a superb strike from the edge of the box.
Brazil improved after the break with Casemiro levelling the contest with a fine header before Gabriel Martinelli struck in the 95th minute to seal a dramatic comeback win for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The South Americans proved worthy winners at NRG Stadium after a dominant second-half display.
Brazil registered a second-half xG of 1.70, while Japan generated just 0.04 after the interval.
Without a World Cup title since 2002, the current Selecao have struggled to live up to the legends of years gone by.
Brazil laboured in their 1-1 group phase draw with Morocco, while the win against Japan came courtesy of a last-minute strike.
In the past two years, the five-time World Cup winners have failed to win six of their last 12 competitive internationals (excluding friendlies).
Norway Looking to Make History
Norway booked their place in the round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 win against the Ivory Coast earlier this week. Antonio Nusa gave Norway a first-half advantage before Amad Diallo scored a brilliant individual leveller for the Africans.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Man City goal machine Erling Braut Haaland bagged the winner as Norway secured a deserved victory at AT&T Stadium.
In scoring his 60th international goal in just 53 caps, Haaland reached that remarkable total faster than any player in history.
The 25-year-old had also helped Norway achieve their first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
The Norwegians have enjoyed an excellent tournament, winning three of their four matches. Haaland has been central to that run, scoring five goals in just three appearances.
Solbakken’s side’s success comes as little surprise after an outstanding qualification campaign. Norway have lost just two of 20 games played since November 2024.
Goals can usually be expected when the Scandinavians are involved. An average of 3.7 goals per game were scored in their last ten fixtures.
Brazil vs Norway Squads and Team News
Brazil Squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Weverton, Ederson
Defenders: Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro, Danilo Luiz, Bremer, Leo Pereira, Douglas Santos, Roger Ibanez
Midfielders: Ederson, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabinho, Danilo Santos, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Raphinha, Endrick, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Rayan
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has several injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s last-16 clash.
Barcelona wideman Raphinha has already been ruled out, while Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro are both doubtful to start after being withdrawn against Japan.
Ancelotti remained typically calm after the win against Japan on Monday, insisting he had never doubted his team would get back into the game.
“At half-time I told the players to be patient because sooner or later we would score,” Ancelotti said.
“What was important was to keep our structure. We know we’re going down the right path, and we have to continue on this path.”
Norway Squad
Goalkeepers: Orjan Nyland, Sander Tangvik, Egil Selvik
Defenders: Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer, Leo Ostigard, David Moller Wolfe, Fredrik Andre Bjorkan, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Torbjorn Heggem, Sondre Langas, Henrik Falchener, Julian Ryerson
Midfielders: Morten Thorsby, Patrick Berg, Sander Berge, Martin Odegaard, Fredrik Aursnes, Kristian Thorstvedt, Thelo Aasgaard, Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup, Oscar Bobb, Jens Petter Hauge
Forwards: Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Jorgen Strand Larsen
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken is expected to keep faith with the same side that edged past the Ivory Coast. Antonio Nusa should retain his place after an impressive performance in the round of 32.
Solbakken has one injury issue. Julian Ryerson missed Norway’s last two matches with a thigh injury after being forced off early against Senegal.