Ancelotti: No 'anti-Haaland' plan for Brazil vs. Norway

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti dismissed the idea of a specific "anti-Haaland" strategy for their upcoming World Cup match against Norway. He stated that he would not dictate defensive tactics to his center-backs, Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães, asserting they possess superior knowledge of how to handle the prolific Norwegian striker.

"There is no 'anti-Haaland' plan. I am not going to explain how to mark Haaland or how to play against Haaland to Gabriel, who has played against him many times, or to Marquinhos," Ancelotti said at a press conference. He noted that while Haaland is "very dangerous" and has scored five goals in the tournament, Brazil's focus is on preparing thoroughly for the entire Norwegian team.

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There is no 'anti-Haaland' plan. I am not going to explain how to mark Haaland or how to play against Haaland to Gabriel, who has played against him many times, or to Marquinhos.

Ancelotti also recognized the threat posed by Martin Ødegaard, whom he coached at Real Madrid, and other Norwegian offensive talents like Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa. He described Norway as a "difficult" and "well-balanced" team with significant "structure and quality," emphasizing that Brazil must perform at their best.

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Norway is a difficult team and very well-balanced, with structure and quality. We have to give our maximum. We are confident.

The Italian coach admitted to feeling "worried and anxious, as usual" before such a crucial match. He believes Brazil has not yet reached its peak performance in the tournament and sees room for improvement in their "game quality and consistency." Ancelotti rated Brazil's performances so far as a 5 against Morocco, 6.5 against Haiti, 7 against Scotland, and 7.5 against Japan, expressing satisfaction with the latter result.

Addressing concerns about Norway's height, Ancelotti downplayed its significance, stating the match would not be decided by physical aspects or set pieces. He remained coy about who would replace the injured Lucas Paquetá in midfield, suggesting the team's playing style might shift depending on the chosen replacement, with Danilo Santos and Gabriel Martinelli being the leading candidates.

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I am worried and anxious, as usual.