History stands in Brazil's way against Norway

After surviving a tough opening knockout battle against Japan, Brazil are set for another stern challenge as they take on Norway in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match at New York New Jersey Stadium tonight.

The match carries added significance for the five-time world champions. Despite their illustrious football history, Brazil are yet to beat Norway in four previous international meetings, having lost twice and drawn the other two.

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Can Brazil break Norway hoodoo?

Their last encounter came 28 years ago and remains one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

At the 1998 World Cup, defending champions Brazil had already secured qualification to the knockout stage after winning their opening two matches, while Norway entered the game needing a victory to stay alive after drawing their first two fixtures.

When Bebeto put Brazil ahead in the 78th minute, another routine victory looked inevitable. Instead, Norway produced a remarkable late comeback. Tore Andre Flo equalised in the 83rd minute before Kjetil Rekdal calmly converted an 89th-minute penalty to seal a famous 2-1 victory over a Brazilian side featuring Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Dunga, Rivaldo and Ronaldo.

This time, Brazil face an even greater challenge with Norway boasting one of the world's most feared strikers in Erling Haaland, who has already scored five goals in three matches. Norway also enter the contest with confidence after beating Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32.

However, Brazil's recent form provides plenty of encouragement. Carlo Ancelotti's side have improved steadily throughout the tournament, and their comeback victory over Japan after conceding the opening goal should further boost their confidence.

Speaking during the 'bKash Presents The Dream Cup with Hamza' show, Bangladesh star footballer Hamza Choudhury urged Brazil to stay defensively disciplined.

"In knockout football or tournament football, the team that concedes the least amount of goals, they win the tournament. So if Brazil can manage that, they will have a very good chance," he said.

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Caption Photo: bKash

Hamza also believes Vinicius Junior will once again be Brazil's key player.

"He is back with Ancelotti, so he will definitely be Brazil's main man. If he can keep performing like this, he can take Brazil all the way, especially with Carlo Ancelotti in charge."

The Bangladesh midfielder also backed Neymar to make an impact despite the veteran forward playing just 14 minutes in the tournament so far. Neymar is unlikely to start tonight's match.

"If I have to describe Neymar in one word, he is spectacular. If a fully fit Neymar goes to the World Cup, he will cause a lot of nightmares for defenders."

Brazil have also received a timely boost with winger Raphinha returning to full fitness, although Ancelotti indicated he may not start. Midfielder Lucas Paqueta remains the only injury concern, meaning Brazil could make just one change from the side that defeated Japan.

If Brazil overcome Norway, they will face either England or Mexico in the quarterfinals. For now, however, their focus remains solely on ending their winless record against Norway on football's biggest stage.