Vinicius, Haaland ready for last-16 blockbuster

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 04 (Agencies): Brazil's pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title faces an intriguing obstacle on Monday (2:00 am as per BST) as Carlo Ancelotti's side take on Norway in the round of 16, knowing they have never beaten the Scandinavian nation.
The five-time world champions have met Norway four times since 1988, drawing twice and losing twice. Their most memorable encounter came at the 1998 World Cup, when Norway came from behind to win 2-1 and reach the knockout stage, leaving Brazil with a rare blemish on an otherwise glittering World Cup record.
History, therefore, offers Norway genuine belief as they prepare for another meeting with the Selecao. Stale Solbakken's men have enjoyed an impressive campaign, returning to the World Cup after a 28-year absence and reaching the knockout stage before claiming their first-ever World Cup knockout victory with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.
Leading their charge is Erling Haaland, who has been one of the tournament's standout performers. The Manchester City striker struck a late winner against Ivory Coast for his fifth goal of the competition and has now scored in each of his last 13 competitive internationals, netting 25 goals during that remarkable run.
Although Haaland described Norway's chances of upsetting Brazil as "very small", Solbakken remains confident his side can compete with the favourites.
"Brazil are favourites, of course they are, but we are not playing the game for fun. We are playing to win and reach the quarter-finals," said the Norway coach, who was part of the team that defeated Brazil in 1998.
Captain Martin Odegaard also backed his star striker, describing Norway as fortunate to have "the greatest goalscorer in the world" leading the line.
Brazil, however, possess attacking firepower of their own. Vinicius Junior has emerged as their key man, scoring four goals in the tournament and becoming the first Brazilian since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 to score in each of the team's three group-stage matches at a World Cup.
Gabriel Martinelli also arrives in confidence after netting the stoppage-time winner against Japan in the previous round, while Ancelotti will be encouraged by Raphinha's return to training after recovering from injury. Neymar is also fit again, giving Brazil added depth in attack.
There are concerns in midfield, though, with Lucas Paqueta ruled out by a hamstring injury, forcing Ancelotti to reshuffle his options.
Norway know stopping Vinicius will be one of their biggest challenges, but goalkeeper Orjan Nyland insisted Brazil's threat extends beyond one player.
Brazil, meanwhile, are equally wary of Haaland but refuse to focus solely on the prolific striker.
"We have to concentrate not only on him, but on several Norway players," said Brazil forward Matheus Cunha. "They have a very strong physical presence throughout the team."
Cunha, who has faced Haaland regularly in the Premier League, admitted Norway are among the toughest opponents Brazil could have encountered at this stage.
The South Americans have steadily gathered momentum after opening their campaign with a draw against Morocco, while Ancelotti's calm leadership helped inspire a comeback victory over Japan in the last 32.
Yet another challenge awaits. Brazil have struggled against European opposition in recent World Cup knockout matches and now face the only team they have played without ever recording a victory.