Brazil

The dramatic extra-time turnaround against Japan marked Brazil's first such comeback in a World Cup since the 2-1 win over England in the 2002 quarterfinals en route to their fifth and most recent title. Yet since that victory, the Selecao have faced six European opponents in knockout stages and lost every time, including the third-place match at the 2014 home tournament. Carlo Ancelotti knows there is no room for error and recalls that MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is the only venue where his team has failed to win, drawing 1-1 with Morocco in the opening match.

The Italian coach must cope without Lucas Paqueta, who suffered a hamstring injury and joins Rafinha on the injury list. Young Ryan, who took the Barcelona star's spot on the left wing, rested in Friday's session as part of load management but is expected to start. Danilo Santos is favored to fill Paqueta's midfield role. Neymar will again wait on the bench, Rafinha has resumed training but may only be fit for the quarterfinals.

Norway

Stale Solbakken sat on the bench during Norway's historic comeback against Brazil in the final group match of the 1998 World Cup. The Scandinavians advanced with a 2-1 thriller before their famous loss to Italy in the round of 16, while Brazil marched on to the final. Now as coach, Solbakken aims to guide his side to a first-ever quarterfinal and possesses the tools, especially with Erling Haaland in top form after scoring braces in his two group games and netting the winner against Ivory Coast in the round of 32.

Julian Ryerson, injured against Senegal in the group stage, is progressing in recovery. "I will do everything to be ready for this match," said the right-back. If unavailable, Marcus Pedersen should start again. Alexander Sorloth is also expected to remain in the lineup despite struggles on the right wing, while captain Martin Odegaard, amid reports of a potential move to Galatasaray, seeks to become the first player to assist in each of his first four World Cup matches.

Statistics and Numbers

Brazil has never defeated Norway. Besides the 2-1 loss at the 1998 World Cup, there were three friendlies: two ended 1-1 (including the most recent in August 2006) and Norway won 4-2 in May 1997. Norway is the only side unbeaten against the Selecao in more than one match.
Brazil has been eliminated solely by European teams since the 2002 triumph, losing to France in 2006, the Netherlands in 2010, Germany 7-1 in 2014, Belgium in 2018 and Croatia on penalties in 2022.
Norway has won 15 of its last 20 matches, drawing three and losing just two.
Norway is the only round-of-16 team to have scored and conceded in all four tournament matches.

The winner will face the victor of Mexico versus England in the quarterfinals.