Sports
Norway coach doesn't regard Brazil as "big favourites"
"We need to play the match, not the circumstances," he told reporters in New Jersey on Saturday. "We need to make sure that we don't play according to the occasion, but that we simply play the match.
Players of Norway perform the traditional rowing celebration after the group I match between Norway and Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium, the United States, June 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
By: Xinhua News Agency, Journalist @New Vision
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NEW YORK — Norway coach Stale Solbakken has reminded his players against being overwhelmed by the occasion of playing against five-time champion Brazil in Sunday's World Cup round of 16 game.
"We need to play the match, not the circumstances," he told reporters in New Jersey on Saturday. "We need to make sure that we don't play according to the occasion, but that we simply play the match.
"Obviously, Brazil is the favourite, but I also said that I don't think they are big favourites, which they maybe had been some years ago, or two, three, four years ago.
"Obviously, Brazil is the favourite, but I also said that I don't think they are big favourites, which they maybe had been some years ago, or two, three, four years ago.
Last time the two sides clashed was in the 1998 World Cup, where Norway edged Brazil 2-1 in a group game.
Norway has two wins and two draws in their previous four meetings with Brazil.
"Now we have had a very good run for a very long time, and we have great confidence," said Solbakken.
Norway has two wins and two draws in their previous four meetings with Brazil.
"Now we have had a very good run for a very long time, and we have great confidence," said Solbakken.