Brazil v Norway betting tips, odds & team news
A place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup is on the line when Brazil and Norway meet in a star-studded Round of 16 clash at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Brazil are bidding to keep their World Cup dream alive after edging Japan with a stoppage-time winner in the Round of 32, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side will know a sharper performance is needed against one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking teams.
Norway have embraced their return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, winning three of their four matches and reaching this stage after Erling Haaland’s late goal sealed a 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire.
Brazil are priced at 1.75 to defeat Norway (4.40), while the draw is paying 3.75 with betting sites. The market has Brazil as clear favourites, although Norway’s attacking quality makes this far from straightforward.
Curiously, Brazil have never beaten Norway in four previous meetings, with Norway winning twice and drawing twice, including a famous 2-1 victory at the 1998 World Cup.
That history adds another layer to a fascinating knockout tie, but Brazil’s depth, attacking quality and big-game experience should still make them difficult to stop.
Norway will look to hurt Brazil through Haaland, Martin Odegaard and quick transitions, while the Seleção will trust Vinicius Junior, Endrick and Matheus Cunha to break down a defence that has not always looked secure.
This shapes as one of the most intriguing knockout matches of the tournament, with Brazil chasing another quarter-final and Norway looking to extend a historic World Cup run.
Below we will run you through the latest Brazil and Norway team news, present our free Brazil vs Norway betting tips and give you our match prediction.
Brazil team news
Brazil head into the Round of 16 with Carlo Ancelotti still managing several key fitness questions, with Lucas Paquetá ruled out after suffering a hamstring issue in the win over Japan.
Raphinha has returned to training after a thigh injury, but he is not expected to be risked from the start after missing Brazil’s last two matches.
Endrick is pushing to come into the starting side, with Matheus Cunha likely to drop into the No.10 role behind the striker. Vinicius Junior remains Brazil’s biggest attacking weapon and has been one of the standout players of the tournament.
Neymar is available, but Ancelotti has used him sparingly at this World Cup and is expected to again lean on Brazil’s younger attacking options.
Brazil’s expected lineup is Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior; Endrick.
Norway team news
Norway arrive full of belief after beating Côte d’Ivoire in the Round of 32, with Haaland continuing his outstanding tournament by scoring the late winner.
Julian Ryerson remains doubtful with a thigh issue, meaning Marcus Holmgren Pedersen could continue at right-back and face the difficult task of dealing with Vinicius Junior.
Haaland has five goals at the tournament and remains Norway’s obvious danger man, while Martin Odegaard will need to produce his best performance of the World Cup if Norway are to trouble Brazil.
Ståle Solbakken has said Norway cannot simply wait for Brazil and must trust its attacking game, but he also knows his side will need to defend for long periods against one of the most talented teams in the tournament.
Norway’s expected lineup is Nyland; Holmgren Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Møller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Brazil vs Norway odds
Match Result
- Brazil1.75
- Draw3.75
- Norway4.40
Anytime Goalscorer
- Erling Haaland2.25
- Vinicius Junior2.30
- Igor Thiago2.50
- Neymar2.63
- Endrick2.70
- Matheus Cunha2.80
Total Goals 2.5
- Over 2.51.72
- Under 2.52.10
Method Of Victory
- Brazil Win in Regular Time1.80
- Norway Win in Regular Time4.33
- Brazil Win in Extra Time10.00
- Brazil Win in Penalty Shoot-Out13.00
- Norway Win in Penalty Shoot-Out13.00
- Norway Win in Extra Time17.00
Brazil vs Norway betting tips
WGL’s football betting expert has analysed the numbers and found two betting angles worth considering for this huge Round of 16 clash. Here are our free World Cup Brazil vs Norway picks:
Vinicius Junior anytime goalscorer
Vinicius Junior is Brazil’s biggest 1v1 threat and should see plenty of the ball against a Norway side that may be forced into long spells defending deep. Brazil create plenty from wide areas, and Vinicius looks the likeliest Brazilian attacker to get into high-quality scoring positions. At 2.30 to score anytime, he looks a strong play.
Over 2.5 total goals
Brazil should control possession and generate volume chances, but Norway have enough threat in transition through Haaland and Odegaard to contribute. If Brazil score first, this knockout clash could open up quickly, and Over 2.5 goals is paying 1.72 with betting sites.
Brazil vs Norway prediction
Norway have enough attacking quality to make this uncomfortable for Brazil, especially with Haaland in outstanding form and Odegaard capable of creating chances in transition.
However, Brazil’s attacking depth should eventually prove too much. Ancelotti’s side have not hit top gear yet, but Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Cunha and Brazil’s midfield control should give them the edge over 90 minutes.
Our final Brazil vs Norway prediction: Brazil win 3-1.
