Norway coach Solbakken urges calm ahead of World Cup last-16 clash with Brazil
Stale Solbakken has told his players not to be overawed by the occasion when Norway take on five-time champions Brazil in the World Cup round of 16 on Sunday.
Solbakken's message
Norway coach Stale Solbakken has urged his squad to keep their nerve and not get swept up in the significance of facing Brazil in the World Cup knockout stage. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey on Saturday, the 58-year-old stressed that his team must focus on the game itself rather than the historical weight of the fixture.
We need to play the match, not the circumstances. We need to make sure that we don't play according to the occasion, but that we simply play the game.
Solbakken acknowledged Brazil remain favourites but argued the gap has narrowed. He pointed to Norway's strong recent form and the confidence within the squad, saying they can hurt the South Americans if they perform at their very best.
Haaland factor
Erling Haaland has been the tournament's standout striker, scoring five goals in three matches, including a late winner against Ivory Coast that secured Norway's first ever World Cup knockout victory. Solbakken said the team has found ways to supply the Manchester City forward with the right service and expects tough duels with Brazil's centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.
He has been enormously good to put the chances away for a long, long time, and scored for fun for a long, long time for us.
Defensive plan against Vinicius Jr
Brazil's attack is led by Vinicius Jr, and Solbakken outlined a collective defensive approach to limit one-on-one situations. He said the wing-backs would receive support from the next player in Norway's zonal system, though he admitted isolated moments would still occur.
Historical edge
Norway have never lost to Brazil in four previous meetings, recording two wins and two draws. The only World Cup encounter between the sides came in 1998, when Norway won 2-1 in the group stage. Solbakken joked that Norway had deliberately avoided friendlies against Brazil for two decades to preserve that unbeaten record.
We have avoided to play you because we're allowed to have that statistic. So we have said no to all friendlies the last 20 years to avoid playing against Brazil. But now we have to face you.
Name on the shirt
Haaland has attracted attention for wearing 'Braut Haaland' on his Norway jersey, incorporating his mother's surname. The 25-year-old's full legal name is Erling Braut Haaland, and he has used the double-barrelled version for national team matches since last summer. The choice reflects Norwegian naming customs where middle names often preserve maternal family heritage.
