Matheus Cunha will not be concerned about Brazil’s storied World Cup historical past – he merely desires to make his mark within the 2026 match.
Brazil tackle Norway within the spherical of 16 on Sunday realizing a win would edge them a step nearer to clinching the nation’s sixth world title.
And whereas this isn’t a classic Selecao aspect in comparison with earlier iterations, Carlo Ancelotti’s males have landed in arguably the weaker half of the draw and stand a very good probability to achieve at the least the final 4.
First up, although, is Norway and Cunha is targeted absolutely on the duty in hand.
He stated: “We need to construct our personal historical past and mark the hearts of Brazilians in the identical manner that earlier generations marked ours. We need to obtain nice objectives, however, above all, we need to make the Brazilian folks proud.
“If we’re to mark this era, let it’s by conquering one other star. That’s how they [previous generations] have been immortalised.”
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti should make a change in midfield with Lucas Paqueta dominated out as a consequence of a hamstring downside and Cunha admits Brazil will miss the previous West Ham man.
Requested for his ideas on how Brazil might be affected, he added: “It is dependent upon the coach’s gameplan. We’re rising more and more assured with the concord and the continuity we’re having. It offers loads of confidence to repeat the identical issues, demonstrating to us that it’s working.
“We are going to miss Paquetá, as a result of we have been making a harmonious routine. It is dependent upon what the coach will need for the group. I don’t need to have the duty of being the coach proper now.”
Norway might be underdogs in New Jersey however the presence of purpose machine Erling Haaland offers them an opportunity.
Haaland has 5 objectives to this point, together with a late winner within the spherical of 32 conquer the Ivory Coast.
The Manchester Metropolis striker will resume his battle with Arsenal centre-half Gabriel on Sunday in an interesting sub-plot that might go an extended strategy to deciding the end result.
Group information for Brazil v Norway
Danilo Santos is ready to exchange Paqueta in midfield. Raphinha has returned to coaching however the Barcelona winger should accept a spot on the bench with Rayan holding his spot on the best aspect of the assault. Casemiro is match.
Norway full-back full-back Julian Ryerson is edging nearer to full health however received’t be risked on this one.
Predicted line-ups for Brazil v Norway
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr.
Norway: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Sorloth, Nusa, Haaland
The place to look at Brazil v Norway: TV and on-line streams
Brazil versus Norway kicks off on Sunday evening at 9pm UK time. You’ll be able to watch it on ITV1 and stream through ITVX.
Stats for Brazil v Norway
- Their solely earlier assembly at a World Cup was in 1998 when Norway received 2-1 in Marseille
- Erling Haaland has scored 50% of Norway’s objectives on the 2026 World Cup
- Brazil have been overwhelmed by the primary European group they’ve performed in a knockout spherical at each World Cup since 2002
Prediction for Brazil v Norway
Brazil have struggled towards European opposition at latest World Cups and we will see this pattern persevering with. Norway will seemingly have the better athleticism in midfield, though Brazil will nonetheless be harmful going ahead.
All of it factors in the direction of a draw and maybe the lottery of penalties.
Prediction: Brazil 1-1 Norway
Accountable Playing
Playing ought to all the time be approached as leisure, not as a strategy to generate revenue. If you happen to ever really feel that playing is turning into an issue, there are a number of organisations you’ll be able to contact without cost, confidential assist.
Instruments obtainable by bet365 embody deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Actuality Checks. These will be accessed through the Safer Playing part of your account at any time. 18+ solely. Please gamble responsibly.
