Bruno Guimaraes has made it clear that Brazil must find a way to contain the 'clever' Erling Haaland as the midfielder looks forward to a midfield duel with Martin Odegaard when Brazil face Norway in their World Cup round-of-16 encounter on Sunday.

Guimaraes dismissed suggestions that Brazil are overwhelming favourites for the match, accusing Haaland of using mind games to transfer the pressure onto the five-time world champions. The Newcastle United star also expressed his eagerness to face Arsenal captain Odegaard in what promises to be a thrilling battle in the centre of the pitch.

Haaland’s psychological tactics brushed aside

Although Norway hold a slight historical edge over Brazil, with two wins and two draws in past meetings, Haaland described Brazil as clear favourites for the crucial knockout fixture. Guimaraes, however, saw through the Norwegian striker’s remarks, suggesting that they were a strategic attempt to ease pressure on his own team.

Speaking to Caze TV, Guimaraes stated: “He’s very clever in what he says. He’s taking all the responsibility off them and putting it on us. To be honest, I don’t care much about what others say. Football is decided on the pitch — eleven against eleven. It will be a great match, tightly contested. They have good qualities too — tall players who will look for crosses. We have to be smart. He’s cunning; he’s trying to take the pressure off them. We must be ready.”

Brazil’s tactical plan to stop Haaland

The midfielder explained that Brazil have been meticulously preparing to neutralise Norway’s strengths, particularly their physical presence and aerial ability. Guimaraes stressed that cutting off Haaland — who has already scored five goals in the tournament — from his teammates’ supply line will be a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s game plan.

“I’ve played against him (Haaland); for me, he’s one of the best strikers in the world alongside Kane,” Guimaraes said. “We have to stop the ball from reaching him. It’s all about marking while attacking — always keeping someone close to him so he doesn’t get space, because one chance is enough for him to change the game. We can’t let him get that one ball tomorrow.”

Midfield control and the Odegaard battle

The contest will also feature an intriguing individual face-off between Guimaraes and Odegaard in midfield. Having covered an impressive 44.4 km across four matches in this World Cup, Guimaraes is excited to test himself against the Arsenal playmaker.

“I hope I can come out on top,” Guimaraes admitted when asked about the clash with Odegaard. “Football is a team game, but individual battles matter too. We need to have a good day. Everything can change in just a few moments. They’re a team that can make the difference from a set piece or a foul. I want to keep making history here. I think it’ll be a great game, and may the best team win — hopefully, that will be us.”

Redemption and historical motivation

For Guimaraes, this World Cup carries personal significance after a disappointing experience in Qatar four years ago. Now 28, he reflected on his limited role in 2022, when he featured in only two of Brazil’s five matches, playing a total of just 67 minutes as a substitute. “In 2022, I didn’t live up to expectations,” he admitted.

Guimaraes also pointed out that Brazil’s inability to defeat Norway in previous meetings provides extra motivation heading into this clash. “It’s more motivation for us, isn’t it? To change that negative record. It’s been a long time since we faced them, and a lot has changed. It’s extra motivation. We want to make our own history and leave our mark for Brazil. Tomorrow gives us a chance to do that,” he concluded.