Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said his defenders do not need guidance on how to contain Erling Haaland ahead of Sunday’s World Cup match against Norway.
Haaland is in contention for the Golden Boot after scoring five goals in three appearances at the tournament and now faces a familiar opponent in Brazil’s Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Manchester City striker and Arsenal centre-back resume their Premier League rivalry in New Jersey, with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals on the line.
Brazil’s other centre-back and captain, Marquinhos, has taken on Haaland in the Champions League.
«Everyone knows how he works. I have nothing to explain to my defenders how to play against him. They have clearly played against him several times,» said Ancelotti.
«I don’t think there is such a thing as an anti-Haaland plan. I don’t have to tell my players how to defend.»
Erling Haaland has a chance to win the Golden Boot after scoring five times in three games this World Cup. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Erling Haaland has a chance to win the Golden Boot after scoring five times in three games this World Cup. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also knows Haaland well, having faced the Norwegian star while playing for Newcastle.
He will play a key role in disrupting the supply lines to the prolific forward.
That task could become even more important with Lucas Paqueta ruled out through injury, forcing Brazil to reshuffle their midfield.
“We have to prevent the ball from ending up in his feet,” said Guimaraes. “We have to attack, but we have to make sure someone stays with him, because with one ball he can decide the game.”
An extreme heat warning is in effect across the region and while temperatures are expected to cool on Sunday, conditions are still expected to play a major role in the match.
In nearby New York City, the heat index (the apparent temperature when humidity is included) stood at 41 degrees Celsius by mid-afternoon on Friday, although it was slightly cooler when teams practiced on Saturday.
“I don’t think anyone is used to that temperature,” Guimaraes said.
«This will be a very physical match. It is very important that your team is on point, even the boys who come off the bench to be fresh.»
– Raphinha ready for a cameo role? –
Ancelotti believed Brazil’s comeback win over Japan in the last 32 had given his players more confidence ahead of Sunday’s match with Norway.
“We have to play at our best level, but I think we are in a time where we can play at our best level because we have confidence,” the Italian said.
“We have had a challenging final match against Japan and we are prepared for anything that can happen, just as we were in our last match.”
He revealed that Raphinha could be included in the squad after missing the past two matches with a thigh injury.
«Raphinha is making great progress. He is not yet one hundred percent, but maybe he will be on the bench to play a few minutes.»
«He is recovering very well and quickly, we are very happy. Raphinha is a very important player for our team.»
Ancelotti also left the door open for Vinicius Junior and Neymar together against Norway.
Vinicius Junior led Brazil’s attack with four goals at the World Cup, while all-time record goalscorer Neymar made just one brief substitute appearance after a calf injury.
“Yes, Neymar and Vinicius could play together at some point, and I think they will,” Ancelotti said.
Published on July 5, 2026
