Brazil to be sent packing?published at 20:59 BST
20:59 BST
Brazil v Norway (21:00 BST)
Chris Sutton
Former England forward to BBC Sport
If Brazil win this World Cup it will be because of their manager, Carlo Ancelotti.
He showed again in their win over Japan in the last 32 that he always finds a way – his Brazil team don’t have a defined style, but they are able to adapt and almost play on feel, depending on how the game is going.
But we saw against Japan that they did not quite have the legs to compete in the middle of the park – Japan just ran past Casemiro to score their goal – and Norway will feel like they can hurt them too.
I think everyone is looking forward to seeing Brazil’s Arsenal centre-half Gabriel renew his rivalry with Norway’s Manchester City striker Erling Haaland on an international stage, and I don’t see him keeping Haaland quiet.
You’ve probably seen the stats that Norway are the only team Brazil have never beaten – they have drawn twice and lost twice in four meetings since 1998 – and also that Brazil have been beaten by the first European team they have played in a knockout round at every World Cup since 2002.
This time? It is going to go the distance – and I just have a feeling that Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland will be their hero in the shootout to settle it.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-2 after extra time. Norway to win on penalties.