Norway Aim for Historic Quarter-Final Berth
Norway will be looking for their first World Cup quarter-final appearance when they take on the mighty Brazil in the last-16 tonight. The two teams meet at New York/New Jersey Stadium, having both left it late to beat Japan and Ivory Coast respectively in the round of 32.
Carlo Ancelotti's Selecao topped Group C ahead of Morocco, while Norway had to settle for the runners-up spot in Group I to France on their return to the global stage after nearly 30 years away. The winner of tonight’s tie will take on either co-hosts Mexico or England in the quarter-final.
Norway Squad Analysis: Key Players to Watch
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Orjan Nyland: Once of Aston Villa, Norwich, Bournemouth and Reading, Nyland is Norway’s No1 goalkeeper but is currently without a club after just being released by Sevilla following the expiry of his contract.
Marcus Holmgren Pedersen: Came into the tournament as Norway’s back-up right-back but his importance has risen following an injury setback. He scored in the 3-2 win over Senegal.
Kristoffer Ajer: Brentford’s towering centre-half who could have a battle on his hands with club team-mate Igor Thiago.
Julian Ryerson: Norway’s big injury doubt after missing the last two games. The Borussia Dortmund star is a modern day full-back who loves to attack and has been linked with a move to Liverpool.
Torbjorn Heggem: Versatile defender now at Bologna after a spell in England with West Brom.
David Moller Wolfe: The Wolves left-back has put the disappointment of relegation behind him to help Norway reach the last-16.
Midfielders
Martin Odegaard: Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning captain. Odegaard has come off a frustrating season because of injury, but has looked right at home at the World Cup. He has recorded an assist in each of his three appearances in North America.
Sander Berge: Norway’s midfield powerhouse who will have his work cut out trying to dominate against Brazil.
Patrick Berg: A key name for a Bodo/Glimt side that has taken European football by storm in the past two seasons.
Forwards
Alexander Sorloth: Once of Crystal Palace, where he struggled, Alexander Sorloth has grown into a fearsome striker first at Trabzonspor, then Villarreal and now Atletico Madrid, where he averages just shy of a goal every other game. Can play both through the centre and also off the right.
Erling Haaland: Arguably the world’s best striker - though Harry Kane may have a thing or two to say about that. Manchester City’s record-breaking no9. Not much more needs to be said.
Antonio Nusa: One of Europe’s more exciting young talents. Has been linked with Tottenham previously, and was a failed medical away from joining Brentford in 2024. Is now with RB Leipzig and continues to back up the hype.
Oscar Bobb: Came through the ranks at Manchester City, alongside Erling Haaland, but moved to Fulham in January in search of more regular first-team football. An exciting winger on his day, but is set to get a proper look in this tournament.
Jorgen Strand Larsen: Erling Haaland’s back-up, and as such does not get too much of a look in. Has six goals in 29 games. Moved from Wolves to Crystal Palace in January, and is among the better Premier League strikers.
