Haaland Backs Brazil as Favorites
Collected Photo
Norway has made history by reaching the Round of 16, but striker Erling Haaland believes five-time world champion Brazil enters the knockout clash as the clear favorite.
Although history favors Norway, Haaland said Brazil has the better chance of advancing.
The two nations have met four times previously, and Brazil has never defeated Norway. Even so, Haaland is not convinced that record will continue.
Speaking to FIFA after Norway’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, Haaland was asked which team he believes is more likely to win the upcoming showdown.
He gave a candid response, saying Norway’s chances are “very small.”
Earlier, Haaland acknowledged the challenge awaiting his team.
“We have to play Brazil in the Round of 16. That’s the reality,” he said.
The striker also highlighted the excitement sweeping across Norway following the team’s historic World Cup run.
“The people of Norway are incredibly excited about the team’s success. The unity across the country around the national team has had a positive impact on our performances,” Haaland said.
Despite the growing optimism, he stressed that the challenge ahead will be far more difficult.
“We’re now in the Round of 16. Every team from this stage onward is strong. Advancing won’t be easy. We don’t know if we’ll be able to do it, but we’ve prepared well and we’re trying to maintain that level of preparation,” he said.
