Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended his side's direct style of play following their disappointing World Cup exit, insisting the Selecao simply do not possess the midfield quality required to dominate possession in the manner of champions Spain.

Much like seafaring 8th-century Norse warriors who raided and conquered across continents, this modern-day Viking delivered two clinical blows late in the game to alter his nation's football history

The 34-year-old was moved to tears after the match.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted his side deserved better despite their shock World Cup exit to Norway, saying the painful defeat should become "fuel" for a new era rather than define the beginning of his reign.

Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland said his country's stunning World Cup win against Brazil had been launched by his penalty save during the 2-1 victory.

Brazil created opportunities but could not risk applying too much pressure, said coach Carlo Ancelotti after his team lost 2-1 to Norway in a shock World Cup last-16 exit on Sunday.

Kept under wraps for most of the round of 16 fixture, Haaland's sixth and seventh goals of the tournament sent Brazil to their earliest exit since being eliminated in the round of 16 in 1990. He's now tied with Argentina's Lionel Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe for the tournament lead.

Manchester City striker Haaland headed Norway into the lead on 79 minutes and then crashed in a second in the 90th minute at the MetLife Stadium to bury Brazil's hopes of a sixth World Cup crown.

Gabriel Martinelli replaced the injured Lucas Paqueta in Brazil's only change for Sunday's World Cup round-of-16 clash against Norway, who recalled Julian Ryerson after injury.

Watch today's episode of Fever Pitch to find out more

The race for the World Cup Golden Boot adds another fascinating subplot when Brazil take on Norway in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash at the New York-New Jersey Stadium today.

For 28 years, Stale Solbakken has carried a piece of history that no Brazilian has been able to rewrite.

Brazil's Raphinha returned to training on Friday to give coach Carlo Ancelotti a welcome boost before their World Cup last-16 clash with Norway, but the Barcelona forward may find his place on the right wing is no longer guaranteed.

FIFA will keep the scheduled kickoff time for Monday’s World Cup last-16 match between Mexico and England, despite earlier concerns that severe weather could force changes, a source familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

Brazil, not Norway, will carry the heavier burden when the two sides meet in Sunday’s World Cup Round of 16, according to Kjetil Rekdal, whose late penalty sealed one of the greatest wins in Norwegian sporting history against the then four-time champions in 1998.

There were long spells in Dallas yesterday when Erling Haaland appeared to be little more than a spectator in Norway’s 2-1 Round of 32 win over Ivory Coast.

Erling Haaland was described as "devastating" and "the greatest goalscorer in the world" after pouncing for a dramatic late winner on Tuesday for Norway at the World Cup.