NewzVille Desk
Brazil, the five-time champions will take on Norway at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium where as Mexico will face England in the Round of 16in the FIFA World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side heads into the knockout clash unbeaten in the tournament, but history favours the Norwegians. Brazil have never beaten Norway in four previous meetings, including their famous 2-1 defeat at the 1998 World Cup.
Norway will once again look towards Erling Haaland, while Brazil will rely on Vinicius Junior and the experience of Neymar, who has been declared fit for selection.
With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, an intriguing battle awaits between South American flair and Scandinavian resilience.
Co-hosts Mexico will look to make home advantage, when they face England at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Mexico have enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, remaining unbeaten and yet to concede a goal in the tournament, while ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory with their win over Ecuador.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said his team would have to play a “near-perfect match” to beat England, who are fourth in the FIFA rankings compared to Mexico’s tenth place.
England progressed after defeating DR Congo and will rely on captain Harry Kane and their experienced core as they prepare for the knockout clash.
However, Thomas Tuchel’s side faces a stern challenge against a partisan Mexican crowd and the high altitude of Mexico City, factors that could play a decisive role.
With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, the match promises a high-intensity and closely contested encounter.
