Norway head coach Stale Solbakken said his team will not be intimidated by Brazil ahead of their Round of 16 match on Sunday.
The matchup represents a critical test for the Norwegian squad as they face one of the most decorated programs in soccer history. A victory would propel Norway deeper into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while a loss would end their tournament run.
Speaking at a press conference in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Solbakken said his players should maintain their tactical identity regardless of the opponent's prestige. The coach focused on the psychological preparation of his squad before the game at MetLife Stadium.
"We will not be scared of Brazil; we will play our own game," Solbakken said [1].
Brazil enters the match as a formidable opponent, holding five World Cup titles [1] and a global ranking of five [2]. The Brazilian side is coming off a 2-1 victory against Japan in the Round of 32 [2]. Despite these statistics, Solbakken said his team is prepared for the challenge.
"We have confidence and a good style of play," Solbakken said [1].
The coach's approach centers on preventing his players from being overawed by the occasion or the opponent's reputation. By emphasizing a commitment to their own style of play, Solbakken aims to neutralize the pressure often associated with facing a top-ranked team.
Norway's strategy relies on this internal confidence to compete with the five-time champions [1]. The team intends to execute its established game plan to secure an upset in the knockout stage.
“"We will not be scared of Brazil; we will play our own game."”
This psychological positioning by Solbakken is a common tactic for underdogs in knockout tournaments. By framing the match around Norway's 'own game' rather than Brazil's reputation, the coach attempts to reduce performance anxiety and prevent tactical collapse under pressure against a top-five ranked opponent.
