Stopping Haaland No Mystery For Brazil, Says Ancelotti

East Rutherford: Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said his defenders did not need guidance on how to contain Erling Haaland ahead of Sunday’s World Cup last-16 match against Norway.

Haaland is vying for the Golden Boot after scoring five goals in three matches in the tournament and now faces familiar opposition in Brazilian Gabriel Magalhaes.

Manchester City’s striker and Arsenal’s defender will continue their Premier League competition in New Jersey by taking part in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Brazil’s other defender and captain, Marquinhos, faced Haaland in the Champions League.

“Everyone knows how he works. I don’t have anything to explain to my defenders how they should play against him. They’ve obviously played against him a few times,” Ancelotti said.

“I don’t think there is such a thing as an anti-Haaland plan. I don’t need to tell my players how to defend.”

Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also knows Haaland closely, having encountered the Norwegian star while playing for Newcastle.

He will play a key role in disrupting the prolific striker’s supply lines.

That role could become even more important with Lucas Paqueta ruled out through injury, forcing Brazil to replace their midfield.

“We have to prevent the ball from going to his feet,” Guimaraes said. “We have to attack but we have to make sure someone stays on him because with one ball he can decide the fate of the game.”

An extreme heat warning is in place across the region and while temperatures are expected to ease on Sunday, conditions are still expected to play a significant role in the match.

In nearby New York City, the heat index (the apparent temperature when humidity is factored in) stood at 105F (41C) on Friday afternoon, but it was slightly cooler as teams practiced on Saturday.

“I don’t think anyone is used to this heat,” Guimaraes said.

“This is going to be a very physical match. It’s really important for you that your team is ready, even the players coming off the bench are fresh.”

Is Raphinha ready for a cameo?

Ancelotti felt Brazil’s win over Japan in the last 32 had given his players more belief heading into Sunday’s game against Norway.

“We have to play at our best level, but I think we are at a time where we can play at our best level because we are confident in ourselves,” the Italian said.

“We came off a tough last game against Japan and just like our last game, we are prepared for anything that might happen.”

He announced that Raphinha, who missed the last two matches due to a thigh injury, could be included in the squad.

“Raphinha is making great progress. He’s not 100 percent, but he can stay on the bench to play a few minutes.

“He is really good and recovering fast, we are really happy. Raphinha is a very important player for our team.”

Ancelotti also left the door open for Vinicius Junior and Neymar to play together against Norway.

Vinicius Junior led Brazil’s attack with four goals in the World Cup, while all-time record goalscorer Neymar made just one substitute appearance following a calf injury.

“Yes, Neymar and Vinicius can play together at some point and I think they will,” Ancelotti said.