Brazil icon recalls Norway clash ahead of upcoming match

As Brazil prepares to face Norway, former Seleção star Denilson cast his mind back nearly three decades to a memorable 1998 World Cup encounter. He vividly remembers the "big, blond striker" who made an impact against Brazil, referring to Tore André Flo, whose goal, along with Kjetil Rekdal's, secured a draw for Norway.

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Flo.. Flo? Was that his name? Denilson stands in the scorching New York sun and looks barely a day older than when he played.

Denilson, who was part of the starting lineup in that 1998 match, told VG that while the game might not be a major event in Brazilian football history, it remains significant for Norwegians. "It was the only game I started in the World Cup," he recalled.

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It was the only game I started in the World Cup.

He observed that Norway's team in 1998 was more defensive than the current squad. "Norway went into that game needing a result. The Norwegian team had to beat Brazil," Denilson said, adding that their second-half performance was much improved. He anticipates Norway will try to exploit similar tactics but with more ground play this time.

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I remember Norway as a more defensive team than they are today and what we will probably face tomorrow. Norway went into that game and needed a result. The Norwegian team had to beat Brazil.

Denilson, once the world's most expensive player after his transfer to Real Betis following the 1998 World Cup, also reflected on the "reference point on top" that Norwegian teams often possess. He believes that while Norway might play more long balls in the first half, they will adapt, similar to their 1998 approach, but with a greater emphasis on ground play.

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It is a characteristic of Norwegian teams, isn't it? They always have a reference point on top.