Norway coach Stale Solbakken has said his team views Brazil as a challenge rather than a threat ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 match in New Jersey on Sunday at 2 a.m. Bangladesh time. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Solbakken acknowledged that Brazil remains the favorite on paper but emphasized that football does not always follow predictions. He stated that defeating Brazil is possible if Norway gives its absolute best performance on the field.

Norway, which impressed during the group stage, now faces its toughest test against the five-time world champions. Solbakken identified Brazil’s versatile attacking lineup as the main challenge, noting their ability to adjust formations and create different attacking combinations. He added that handling Brazil’s offensive pressure will be crucial for Norway’s chances.

Solbakken also said that a Norwegian victory over Brazil would be one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. While the duel between Erling Haaland and Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhães is expected to draw attention, the coach stressed that the match is ultimately about team performance rather than individual battles.