Brazil's Douglas Santos warns of Norway's aerial threat, Haaland

Brazil's starting left-back, Douglas Santos, has expressed concern over Norway's aerial prowess ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 clash. Santos specifically highlighted the threat posed by striker Erling Haaland, emphasizing that the Brazilian team has been developing strategies to counter his goal-scoring ability.

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Haaland is a center forward who scores many goals, but we are working to eliminate his qualities when he enters the area. We are working hard to eliminate his strengths.

"Haaland is a center forward who scores many goals, but we are working to eliminate his qualities when he enters the area. We are working hard to eliminate his strengths," Santos stated during a press conference. The defender, who stands just over 1.70 meters tall, acknowledged the height advantage of the Norwegian players, many of whom are close to two meters tall.

Santos also addressed comments made by Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken, who jokingly told his players they would target Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's coach, after their win over Ivory Coast. "Those kinds of comments in a World Cup serve as motivation for us," Santos replied. He also noted that Brazil has never defeated Norway, with a record of two draws and two losses since 1988, adding another layer of motivation for the upcoming match.

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Those kinds of comments in a World Cup serve as motivation for us.

Looking ahead to the Sunday match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Santos acknowledged the expected high temperatures will present difficult conditions for both teams. "We have to focus on the game and do what we have to do... Regardless of the schedule, we will always give our best," he asserted. Santos also downplayed Brazil's status as title favorites, stressing the team's focus on collective effort rather than individual prominence.

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We have to focus on the game and do what we have to do... Regardless of the schedule, we will always give our best.