Brazil's FIFA World Cup campaign has been a mix of promise and concern. While Carlo Ancelotti's men have won three of their four matches, they needed a dramatic 95th-minute winner from Gabriel Martinelli to edge past Japan in the Round of 32. Despite progressing, Brazil is yet to produce its best football, making Sunday's quarterfinal clash against Norway a crucial test.
History also adds an intriguing subplot. Brazil has never defeated Norway in four previous meetings, managing two draws and suffering two defeats. Their most memorable encounter came at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, when Norway rallied from behind to beat Brazil 2-1 through goals from Tore Andre Flo and Kjetil Rekdal after Bebeto had given the South Americans the lead. Current Norway coach Stale Solbakken was part of that victorious squad.
