What the Brazil coach said about Haaland’s interception

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said his defenders don’t need any instructions on how to contain Erling Haaland ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash with Norway on Monday.

Haaland is in the running for the Golden Boot after scoring five goals in three matches in the current tournament. This time he will face a familiar opponent, Brazil’s Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Manchester City striker and Arsenal centre-back will rekindle their Premier League rivalry in New Jersey, with a ticket to the World Cup quarter-finals at stake.

Brazil’s other central defender and captain, Marquinhos, has struggled against Haaland in the Champions League.

“Everyone knows how he plays,” Ancelotti said. “I don’t have to explain to my defenders how to play against him. They’ve obviously played against him many times.”

‘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 is also familiar with Haaland, having faced the Norwegian star while playing for Newcastle.

He will have a key role in closing off the ball’s path to this great forward.

This responsibility could become even more important as Brazil’s midfield is in need of a shake-up with Lucas Paqueta out through injury.

“We have to make sure the ball doesn’t reach his feet. We have to attack, but we also have to make sure someone keeps a close eye on him, because with just one ball he can decide the fate of the match,” said Guimaraes.

A severe heatwave warning is in place across the region. Although temperatures are forecast to ease slightly by Sunday, the weather is expected to play a major role in the match.

The heat index—the perceived temperature with humidity—was 105 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) in nearby New York City on Friday afternoon, though it was slightly lower when teams practiced on Saturday.

“I don’t think anyone is used to these temperatures,” Guimaraes said.

“It’s going to be a very physical match. It’s really important to keep your squad fully prepared, even the players coming off the bench have to be fresh.”

Is Rafinha returning in a cameo role?

Ancelotti believes Brazil’s comeback win over Japan in the last 32 has boosted the players’ confidence ahead of Monday’s match against Norway.

“We have to play at our best, but I think we are now in a position where we can give our best, because we are confident,” said the Italian coach.

“We have come through a challenging match against Japan and we are ready for any situation, just like in our last match.”

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

“Rafinha is improving very well. He’s not 100 percent fit, but he can be on the bench to play a few minutes.”

“He is recovering very well and quickly, we are really happy. Rafinha is a very important player for our team.”

Ancelotti also left open the possibility of playing Vinicius Junior and Neymar together against Norway.

Vinicius Junior is leading Brazil’s attack with four goals at the World Cup, while Neymar, the all-time leading scorer, has only made a brief appearance as a substitute due to Kafir’s injury.

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