"We have to beat him and beat Brazil..." Norway Head Coach Praises Carlo Ancelotti And Asserts Plans To Limit Vinícius Júnior

Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has acknowledged Brazil's status as favourites ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash but believes his side has the organisation and confidence to challenge Carlo Ancelotti's men if they can reproduce their best football.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Solbakken outlined Norway's approach to containing Vinícius Júnior, praised Ancelotti as one of football's greatest coaches and insisted his post-match dressing-room message following victory over Ivory Coast had been misunderstood.

After Erling Haaland's late winner secured Norway's place in the knockout stages, a video emerged of Solbakken telling his players, "Ancelotti, we're coming for you." The comment quickly went viral, but the Norwegian manager was keen to explain that he intended it as admiration rather than provocation.

"It was only to praise him because he is one of the greatest coaches in European football," Solbakken said.

"He is maybe the greatest with five Champions Leagues and titles in different countries. The way he treats opponents, the way he acts in football is something for everyone to look up to."

The 57-year-old also welcomed Ancelotti's arrival in international football.

"It's also great for football that he goes into an international job with the biggest international team in world football."

"It's a great honour for us, but tomorrow we have to beat him and beat Brazil to stay in the competition."

Much of the pre-match discussion has centred on Vinícius Júnior, who has already scored four goals and provided an assist during the tournament.

Solbakken described the Real Madrid winger as one of the world's most difficult players to defend against.

"Vinícius is a dancer who can dance with the ball."

He also labelled the Brazilian a "physical phenomenon" and admitted Norway cannot afford to leave him isolated against individual defenders.

"We'll be helping each other and providing cover between players."

Norway's defensive planning, however, extends beyond one player.

Solbakken highlighted the pace and movement of Brazil's likely attacking trio of Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha and Rayan, while also identifying Endrick as another dangerous option capable of changing the game from the bench.

At the other end of the pitch, Norway hope to exploit one area where they believe they can gain an advantage.

"In terms of our physicality, we can do something on set pieces, especially with our height in certain situations."

Despite Norway's impressive campaign and their unbeaten historical record against Brazil, Solbakken accepted his team will start as underdogs.

"Brazil is still the favourite, but I don't think they're the big favourites like in past years."

"We can beat Brazil if we're at 100%, otherwise we don't have a chance."

"But yes, it would be a surprise if Norway was to win."

Rather than focusing solely on stopping Haaland's counterparts in yellow, Solbakken believes Norway must deal with Brazil collectively.

"Brazil have a lot of good players; we need to stop those individual players, but first of all we must stop Brazil as a team."

The Norwegian boss also urged caution when referencing his nation's famous 2-1 victory over Brazil at the 1998 World Cup.

"Our win in 1998 has meant a lot to Norwegian football for a long time, but we must remember that Brazil was already through and had nothing to play for."

"But this is a knockout game, and both teams need to win to go through."

He even joked about Norway's unbeaten record against the five-time world champions.

"We've refused to play friendlies against them for 20 years so we can keep saying they've never beaten us," he said with a smile.

Solbakken also provided an encouraging update on defender Julian Ryerson, who has resumed training after injury.

"He's trained like the others the last two days. He hasn't had the same workload as the others, but he's been pain-free for two days."

The Norway coach added that there was no guarantee Ryerson could last a potential 120 minutes, while also confirming that illness within the squad was not a significant concern.

Asked about Erling Haaland's influence beyond his goals, Solbakken stressed that confidence comes from the striker's performances rather than his reputation.

"It's really about performance, and that's what gives the team confidence; you know you've got the best goalscorer in the world on your side."

Norway have also prepared for every possible outcome, including penalties, with Solbakken revealing that his five designated takers have already been selected should Sunday's contest require a shootout.

With temperatures expected to be high for the afternoon kick-off in New Jersey, Solbakken remained unconcerned.

"The heat hasn't affected us at all. We're full of energy."

A place in the World Cup quarter-finals awaits the winner, and while Solbakken accepts Brazil possess superior pedigree and depth, he believes Norway have earned the right to believe.

"We have a great style of play with the ball, and I think that helps us a lot."

"The important thing is that we can hurt Brazil on our day. Still, we have to be at our absolute best, or we don't stand a chance. But if we are at our best, then we have a shot."