Norway await Brazil with a 24-year European knockout curse on the line

Norway up next in the round of 16

Brazil will face Norway on Sunday, July 5, in the World Cup round of 16 (1) (8). Norway sealed their spot after Erling Haaland scored the winner that sent them through (9). The Norwegians are already talking.

Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland gave a nod to the challenge ahead: "If we want to go as far as possible, we'll face big teams constantly. It'll be fun to face them. They're a strong team, of course, but we're a strong team too. I think we can make life difficult for them," he told TV 2 (1).

Haaland himself kept it blunt: "We have very few chances of eliminating Brazil" (6).

Felipe Melo is not buying the humility. "I expected a bit more from Norway today. We're talking about the round of 16. I think Haaland is just being humble. Brazil is better, Brazil is the favorite. But they will give their lives on the pitch," the former Brazil midfielder said (5).

A history Brazil want buried

Brazil have never beaten Norway. Two Norwegian wins, two draws, and zero Brazilian victories in the all-time head-to-head (4) (10).

Worse still, Brazil have not beaten a European side in a World Cup knockout match since 2002, when they beat Germany in the final. Since then: France in 2006, Netherlands in 2010, Germany in 2014, Belgium in 2018, and most recently Croatia in 2022. Every knockout exit has come against a European opponent (4).

Tore Andre Flo and Kjetil Rekdal were on the pitch the last time Norway stunned Brazil. History is the card Norway know they can play (10).

Haaland and Ødegaard lead the Norwegian charge

Haaland's goal in the group stage was enough to book the date with Brazil (9). Alongside Martin Ødegaard, he gives Norway a spine that can hurt anyone on the counter. Manchester City are already planning Haaland's pre-season return, but for now his focus is on Sunday (9).

Fan reactions

Fans on Reddit are already feeling the weight of history. One thread is circulating a sobering stat: Brazil have not beaten a European team in a World Cup knockout game since 2002. Another post tallies the injury crisis, with six players already ruled out, including Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Lucas Paquetá. The mood is part caution, part hope that this squad finally breaks the curse.

Read the full discussion on r/worldcup