Brazil and Norway go head-to-head tonight in one of the standout ties of the World Cup Round of 32, with two attack-minded sides battling for a place in the last 16.
Brazil topped Group C and have steadily grown into the tournament, and arrive in the knockout stages looking like one of the favourites to potentially lift the trophy.
Norway also impressed during the group phase, with one man at the heart of everything.
Erling Haaland has once again delivered on the biggest stage, while Martin Ødegaard has pulled the strings in midfield and Alexander Sørloth has provided a constant aerial threat.
Brazil, though, possess enough attacking talent to trouble any defence in world football.
Vinícius Júnior has looked increasingly dangerous with every game and the Selecao’s midfield has controlled matches with authority throughout the tournament.
This has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.
Both Teams To Score
It’s difficult to look beyond goals in this one.
Norway have scored seven goals in three group matches and found the net against every opponent they have faced, including France. Haaland remains one of the world’s most clinical finishers.
Brazil have also looked sharp in attack, scoring freely after their opening draw with Morocco and carrying threats from every area of the pitch.
Neither side is likely to sit back in a knockout tie of this magnitude, making both teams to score an excellent betting angle.
Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer
Even against Brazil, it’s difficult to ignore Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City striker has already produced a superb group-stage campaign and enters the knockout rounds in outstanding form. His combination of power, movement and finishing means he only needs one chance to make the difference.
Brazil boast quality defenders, but Haaland has consistently scored against elite opposition throughout his career.
If Norway are to pull off one of the shocks of the tournament, their superstar striker is likely to be at the heart of it.
Score Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Norway
