Brazil Face Tricky Norway Test Despite Dominance Record

Here's a curious bit of trivia to chew on: Brazil have faced 88 different international opponents and emerged victorious against all but one. That solitary exception? Norway, who've managed two wins and two draws across four meetings with the samba stars—most memorably a shock 2-1 upset at the 1998 World Cup.

The Seleção have steamrolled through their campaign so far. After an opening 1-1 stalemate with Morocco, they've rattled off back-to-back 3-0 thrashings of Haiti and Scotland. Japan presented a sterner proposition in the last 32, yet Brazil showed their mettle by fighting back from a goal down. Gabriel Martinelli's late strike sealed a 2-1 victory in added time.

Norway's journey to this tie has been equally impressive, despite navigating a group containing France and Senegal. Stale Solbakken's men kicked off with commanding wins over Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2), allowing the boss to rotate a full ten starters for the France match—a 4-1 loss that proved largely irrelevant. Erling Haaland and company returned for the knockout opener and the striker's late intervention proved decisive in a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.

Team News

Brazil's attacking riches continue to present selection headaches. Neymar, the nation's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 to his name, has barely featured with just 14 minutes on the clock, seemingly behind Real Madrid's teenage sensation Endrick in Carlo Ancelotti's pecking order.

Endrick could even start here as Lucas Paqueta battles a hamstring complaint picked up against Japan. Barcelona's Raphinha carries the same injury concern, with Bournemouth's Rayan expected to continue on the wing. Martinelli will be eyeing further opportunities after his heroics in the previous round.

Norway's 4-3-3 formation is clearly working wonders for Haaland, who boasts an extraordinary 63 goals in 50 appearances for his country. Patrick Berg has earned his way back into the reckoning and should operate on the left of midfield following a solid showing against Ivory Coast.

The Odds and Analysis

Brazil sit at 5/6 favourites for a 90-minute victory, with Norway priced at 3/1 underdogs and the draw at 5/2. In the 'To Qualify' market accounting for extra time and penalties, the hosts are 4/9 to progress while Norway are 15/8.

Here's the thing though: Brazil haven't beaten a European side in a knockout tie since winning the World Cup in 2002. Those famous yellow shirts may carry historical weight, but they hardly guarantee intimidation against a Norwegian team brimming with confidence.

This matchup invites compelling arguments from both corners, making it a genuinely fascinating contest. The win market may not offer the sharpest value, so consider looking elsewhere.

Haaland at 13/10 to score anytime represents solid odds-against value for his sixth goal of the tournament. Vinicius Junior, who's already notched four and hit the post against Japan, sits at 7/5 for another goal. A double on both strikers finding the net pays 9/2.

There's also an intriguing 13/2 double pairing Antonio Nusa and Casemiro to register one or more shots on target. Nusa has been a constant threat and scored a beauty against Ivory Coast, whilst Casemiro—ever the aerial menace and the man who equalised against Japan—represents a tempting proposition at 3/1 for a headed shot on target and 13/2 to score with his head.

The winner advances to face either England or Mexico in Miami.

Match Details

Kick-off is at 9pm BST on Sunday, July 5 at the New York New Jersey Stadium (4pm local time). ITV1 will broadcast live coverage from 8pm, with BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT providing full commentary.