Ancelotti says Brazil will not build Norway plan around Haaland alone

Carlo Ancelotti says Brazil are not preparing a special one-player plan for Erling Haaland. His message before the World Cup knockout match against Norway is that Brazil must manage the whole Norwegian team, not only its star striker.

Brazil enter the tie after topping Group C and surviving a difficult round-of-32 match against Japan, where Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time goal completed a comeback. The next test is at MetLife Stadium, with the winner moving on to face either England or Mexico.

The Haaland matchup still matters. Bruno Guimarães acknowledged that the Norway forward can change a match from a single chance, while Norway coach Ståle Solbakken framed the contest as more than Haaland against Brazil’s centre-backs Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos.

Team availability could shape both sides’ plans. Lucas Paquetá is set to miss out after a hamstring issue against Japan, while Raphinha may return from a thigh problem. Norway expect Julian Ryerson to be available, though Holmgren Pedersen is being monitored after respiratory symptoms.