Ancelotti Rejects Anti-Haaland Plan Before Brazil's July 6 Norway Quarterfinal
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 4
Ancelotti Rejects Anti-Haaland Plan Before Brazil's July 6 Norway Quarterfinal
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 4
Summary
Carlo Ancelotti said Brazil will defend Norway as a unit rather than build a special plan around Erling Haaland ahead of Sunday's World Cup quarterfinal at MetLife Stadium.
Brazil enter the tie after topping Group C and needing Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time winner to beat Japan in the round of 32, a test Ancelotti said left his side confident but still improving.
Lucas Paquetá is out with a hamstring injury suffered against Japan, while Raphinha could return from a thigh problem to boost Brazil's attack.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken also played down a Haaland-versus-defenders narrative, calling Brazil favorites even as he expects Julian Ryerson to be fit and monitors Holmgren Pedersen's illness.
The winner will reach the quarterfinals to face either England or co-hosts Mexico, keeping Brazil's bid for a sixth World Cup title alive.