Brazil will face Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup after booking their knockout spot with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Japan.
The five-time world champions will take on the European side on July 6 at 2:00 am Bangladesh time at New Jersey Stadium in New York. Norway secured the matchup by defeating Ivory Coast in their Round of 16 clash.
History, however, is not on Brazil's side.
The Selecao have never beaten Norway in four previous meetings. The Scandinavians have won twice, while the other two matches ended in draws.
Their only World Cup meeting came in the group stage of the 1998 tournament in France. Brazil took the lead through Bebeto but eventually lost 2-1, with Tore André Flo and Kjetil Rekdal scoring for Norway.
The remaining three encounters came in international friendlies. The teams drew 1-1 in 1988 before Norway claimed a 4-2 victory in 1997. Their most recent meeting, in August 2006, also ended in a 1-1 draw.
Despite the unfavourable head-to-head record, Brazil head into the match with renewed confidence after recovering from a slow start to the tournament. Carlo Ancelotti's side have found their rhythm at the right time and will be aiming to end their winless run against Norway.
Norway, meanwhile, have impressed on their return to the World Cup, with Erling Haaland leading the attack as the Europeans chase a place in the quarter-finals.
While history favours Norway, the outcome will ultimately be decided on the pitch in New Jersey, where one of the two sides will secure a place in the last eight.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
