Norway has enjoyed a successful return to the international stage after 26 years away and they face a stern test of their credentials when facing Brazil in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The Norwegians defeated the Ivory Coast 2-1 in the round of 32, while Brazil secured a victory by the same scoreline against Japan.
Brazil vs. Norway betting picks and predictions
Both teams to score (-149)
Brazil eased through the group stage with routine 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland, but they have struggled to keep out stronger nations at this tournament.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side opened with a 1-1 draw against Morocco and they also fell 1-0 down to Japan before their second-half comeback.
Brazil went into the World Cup having seen both teams score in five straight games, while their return of three clean sheets in their last 11 matches does not suggest they can keep this Norway team quiet.
Norway have some incredible talents going forward, but 10 of their previous 11 internationals have seen both teams find the net. Their last-32 clash with the Ivory Coast was an open one, with the two sides generating 3.39 Expected Goals between them.
Brazil has a stronger forward line than the Ivory Coast, and they will take the chances that Norway will give them.
However, Ancelotti has not found a way to get Brazil’s midfield working, and Norway’s midfield trio are capable of dictating things in New Jersey.
Each of Norway’s four games at this tournament have seen both teams find the net, so that’s the standout bet ahead of this last-16 clash.
2-2 Draw (+1200)
Brazil are unbeaten in seven matches, scoring at least twice in six of those. However, they are yet to really hit top gear at this World Cup. They were poor in their clashes with Morocco and Japan, and there are weaknesses that Norway can exploit.
Norway have scored at least twice in three of their four matches and they managed to net once against France having fielded their second string.
The Norwegians have already met expectations this summer, they have made it out of their group, claimed a knockout victory, and set up a meeting with one of the game’s traditional superpowers.
However, Stale Solbakken has a top-quality side to call upon. His team can keep this competitive and even force extra-time in New Jersey.
Brazil struggled to dominate their last-32 tie, only getting back into the game when Japan retreated deep. Given Norway’s superior firepower, a 2-2 draw appeals at +1200.
Erling Haaland to make 2+ fouls (+150)
One of the key subplots of this clash is that the traditional battle between Gabriel and Erling Haaland is moving from the Premier League to the international stage.
The pair have shared plenty of battles for Arsenal and Manchester City, and Gabriel will be expected to pick up the assignment of keeping Haaland quiet. The pair are expected to have a back-and-forth battle, which makes Haaland stand out in the foul markets.
The City forward made two fouls in his group stage clashes with Iraq and Senegal. He also committed a couple of fouls in home and away meetings with Italy in qualifying.
Haaland is priced at +150 to make another two fouls in this contest, despite the previous between him and Gabriel.
Haaland committed three fouls in a visit to Arsenal last season, while Gabriel has drawn three fouls in his four appearances at this tournament. The Gunners’ defender will not shy away from baiting Haaland and exaggerating contact.
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Brazil vs. Norway odds
Brazil | -120 |
Tie | +260 |
Norway | +350 |
Brazil vs. Norway player props
Anytime Goalscorer
Erling Haaland (Norway) | +120 |
Vinicius Jr (Brazil) | +150 |
Matheus Cunha (Brazil) | +163 |
Rayan Vitor (Brazil) | +225 |
Alexander Sorloth (Norway) | +275 |
Lucas Paqueta (Brazil) | +333 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
