Twenty-eight years after their only FIFA World Cup meeting, Brazil and Norway renew acquaintances on Sunday at MetLife Stadium with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Carlo Ancelotti's side arrive with renewed confidence after producing a dramatic comeback against Japan, overturning a one-goal deficit through Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli to win 2-1. Norway, meanwhile, edged past Ivory Coast by the same scoreline, with Erling Haaland once again proving decisive by scoring a late winner.

History, however, offers Brazil little comfort. The five-time world champions have never beaten Norway in four previous meetings, including their famous 2-1 defeat at the 1998 World Cup in Marseille and a 1-1 friendly draw in 2006.

Brazil's victory over Japan may yet be a defining moment of Carlo Ancelotti's first tournament in charge.

For much of that contest, the Selecao looked destined for another disappointing World Cup exit before Ancelotti boldly switched to an attacking 4-2-4 system after introducing Endrick. The tactical gamble transformed the match, allowing Brazil to overwhelm Japan during the closing stages.

That resilience has extended Brazil's impressive overall run, with the South Americans entering the knockout stage having won five of their last six matches in all competitions.

Norway's journey has followed a different path. Ståle Solbakken's side have embraced open, attacking football throughout the tournament, scoring in every World Cup match while also conceding in each outing. Their only defeat came against France, when qualification had already been secured and several regular starters were rested.

With Erling Haaland leading the line and Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings behind him, Norway possess enough attacking quality to trouble any defence.

Brazil have suffered a significant setback with Lucas Paquetá ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury against Japan. The Flamengo midfielder is undergoing intensive treatment in the hope of returning later in the tournament.

Raphinha has resumed training but is still not expected to feature, meaning teenager Rayan should continue on the right wing.

The most likely adjustment sees Endrick come into the starting side, allowing Matheus Cunha to operate in the No. 10 role behind the young striker. Neymar is now fit enough to play extended minutes after recovering from a calf injury, but Carlo Ancelotti is expected to continue easing him back into action from the bench.

Norway could welcome back Julian Ryerson after the defender missed the previous two matches with a thigh injury, although his fitness will be assessed before kickoff.

Much of Norway's attacking threat continues to revolve around Haaland, whose five goals account for half of his country's total at this World Cup. Behind him, Ødegaard and Patrick Berg have been equally influential, combining for five assists and providing the creativity that fuels Solbakken's attack.

The obvious headline duel is Erling Haaland against Brazil's centre-backs, but there is another matchup that could ultimately shape the contest.

While Gabriel Magalhães has the physical attributes to compete with Haaland, Marquinhos has occasionally struggled against powerful centre-forwards. Norway will almost certainly look to isolate Haaland against the Paris Saint-Germain defender whenever possible, particularly from crosses and direct balls into the penalty area.

At the opposite end, Vinícius Júnior could prove equally decisive. Norway have yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament and have conceded 5.5 expected goals, one of the highest totals among the remaining teams. Vinícius' pace and direct running against Norway's full-backs could expose those defensive vulnerabilities.

Brazil's creativity has also been among the best in the competition. Their 9.4 expected goals is the highest of any nation at the tournament, underlining the volume of quality chances they continue to produce despite missing key attacking players.

Norway have enough attacking quality to make life uncomfortable for Brazil, particularly with Haaland in outstanding form and Ødegaard capable of unlocking any defence. They are unlikely to sit back, which should make for an open and entertaining knockout tie.

However, Brazil's greater depth, experience and tactical flexibility give them the edge. Ancelotti has already shown a willingness to alter games from the touchline, while the Selecao possess match-winners across every line of the pitch.

Expect Norway to create opportunities, but Brazil's superior attacking depth, combined with Vinícius Júnior's ability to exploit defensive spaces and Ancelotti's tactical nous, should be enough to send the five-time world champions into the quarter-finals.