Norway have impressed to reach the last 16 of the World Cup but up against Brazil next, it could be the end of the road for Erling Haaland and co.
After progressing out of a tough group that featured Senegal and France, Norway have made their mark this summer by getting past the Ivory Coast in the last 32.
However, it is another step up next for the Europeans, who face a Brazil side that looks capable of reaching the latter stages.
We’ve looked ahead to the Brazil vs Norway last-16 showdown by studying the market for a Bet Builder, which pays out at 17/4 if successful in the World Cup betting market.
Brazil v Norway Bet Builder Tips
Samba stars too strong
Norway are back competing in a World Cup for the first time since 1998 and, with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in fine form, they are doing very well.
Wins over Iraq and Senegal in the group stage were enough to seal their last-32 place, rendering a heavy 4-1 defeat to France fairly meaningless early on.
However, that result now needs to be assessed, as they prepare to face another top-tier nation in New York when Brazil await.
This is a repeat of a memorable group game from the last time Norway qualified for the biggest tournament of them all 28 years ago – and how the underdogs would love a repeat of a 2-1 win they secured back then in Marseille.
Norway have looked more than capable up against average sides, but they were outclassed against Les Bleus and could be in for similar treatment against the South American giants.
Brazil may not be quite as good as their stellar teams of previous World Cups, but they are still serious contenders this summer and have several outstanding players like goalkeeper Alisson Becker, centre-back Gabriel, midfield ace Bruno Guimaraes, forward Matheus Cunha and the dazzling Vinicius Junior.
They dug in to come from behind to see off a very capable Japan late on in the previous round after dominating their group, and Norway, despite their own smattering of world class talent, are unlikely to trouble them too much.
Leg 1: Brazil to win @ 31/40
Dangerous Norway can strike too
Backing both teams to score in this clash is advisable considering the depth of attacking prowess on show.
Brazil have Vinicius to spearheard their frontline, while Haaland is the obvious main Norway threat.
There have been goals at both ends in all four of Norway’s games in the tournament so far, while the same has occurred in two of Brazil’s four outings.
Leg 2: Both teams to score – Yes @ 4/6
Entertaining last-16 showdown predicted
Following the narrative of this being a game in which both teams are likely to score in, adding in over 2.5 total goals at the Met Life Stadium seems logical then.
Brazil have hit nine goals in their four games, while Norway have actually scored one more, banging in 10 across their four matches with the prolific Haaland accounting for half of them.
All that suggests we should see at least three in this knockout game as the pattern of a high-scoring overall tournament continues.
Leg 3: Over 2.5 goals @ 7/10
Vini to catch the eye again
Real Madrid forward Vinicius has been one of the stars of the tournament, bagging four goals and claiming one assist for Brazil.
The 25-year-old has had 15 shots so far, 10 of which have been on target, and he has had two or more shots on target in his last three outings against Scotland, Haiti and Japan.
If Brazil are to make it to the latter stages, they are likely going to have to rely on the forward to propel them on and it would be no surprise to see Vinicius starring again.
Leg 4: Vinicius Jr to have 2+ shots on target @ 21/20
