Ancelotti: No Special Plan Needed to Stop Haaland

Brazil are bracing for a massive Round of 16 test at the World Cup as they face Norway on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The winner will meet either England or Mexico in the quarterfinals. The Seleção reached the knockout stage by topping Group C, then needed a stoppage-time goal from Gabriel Martinelli to edge past Japan. Now the biggest threat comes in the shape of Erling Haaland, the tournament’s most prolific striker. But Carlo Ancelotti insists there is no need to devise a specific strategy for the Norwegian. “I don’t think there is such a thing as a plan for Haaland. I don’t need to tell my defenders how to defend – they have already faced him several times. Everyone knows how he works,” the Italian said at his pre-match press conference. Ancelotti highlighted that Norway are well-structured and dangerous in attack, so Brazil must focus on their own game. “We gained confidence after the Japan match and are ready to show our best level.” Midfielder Bruno Guimarães also acknowledged the danger. “He is special. We have to make sure someone stays close to him because one ball can decide the match, and we cannot allow that.” Norway coach Ståle Solbakken, meanwhile, cautioned against reducing the contest to just Haaland versus the central defensive duo of Gabriel Magalhães and captain Marquinhos. “Brazil have one of the best center-back pairings in this tournament, two players at the highest level. There will be tough battles between them and Erling, but for me this is Brazil vs Norway. Brazil are the favorites, but we hope to fight them.” Team news: Brazil will be without Lucas Paquetá due to a hamstring injury, but Raphinha could return from a thigh problem. For Norway, Julian Ryerson is expected back after a thigh issue, while Marcus Pedersen is a doubt with flu.