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On paper, Norway's men's soccer team shouldn't fear this iteration of Brazil. It's been a long time, almost a quarter-century to be exact, since the winningest team in men's World Cup history was on top of the international soccer world. It doesn't nearly have the same specter of automatic intimidation that it used to. But that fact, especially as Brazil appears to be regaining some of its historical form, shouldn't be something anyone associated with Norway voices in public.
Uh, about that. Someone might want to relay such news to Norway's manager, Ståle Solbakken.
In a pre-match press conference, Solbakken noted that Brazil should be favored against his Norwegian side in a Round of 16 matchup on Sunday. This is, after all, Norway's first World Cup appearance in almost three decades, whereas Brazil remains one of the globe's most consistent fixtures in this tournament. However, Solbakken expanded upon those thoughts, maintaining that, in his opinion, this version of Brazil and this version of Norway are a lot closer on paper than anyone realizes.
Hmm, I don't know that I agree with that assessment, and I certainly wouldn't have said it in front of a microphone for Brazil to hear, either:
At face value, I understand why Solbakken would say this. As Norway's manager, he is the team's chief motivator. It is his inherent job to instill belief in his players, who already understand they are considered huge underdogs to most in a match against a country with immense soccer success like Brazil. To be sure, Solbakken was also part of the 1998 Norway team that defeated the then-reigning World Cup champion Brazil in the group stage. So, he knows something about pulling off unlikely upsets and how you have to think about them.
Still, it seems like a major misstep to let Brazil's players hear themselves and their caliber of play downplayed. We'll see whether Solbakken's tactic works in his favor or blows up in his face.
Of course, Solbakken has also come under fire for a recent reference he made to Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's current manager and one of the best managers in soccer history. Though I think this was much tamer and more understandable, considering the circumstances.
A clip features Solbakken delivering a post-match speech to Norway after it defeated the Ivory Coast in the Round of 32. At the end, a smirking Solbakken says, "And wait, Carlo Ancelotti, we're coming for you!"
Contrary to what seems like popular belief, I don't think this was disrespect:
What I interpret this lighthearted Solbakken comment to be is a sign of respect. Ancelotti has won five Champions Leagues with two different clubs. Again, he's one of the greatest soccer managers ever. Solbakken knows all of this and was only joking about putting a bullseye on the back of a living legend.
Solbakken's explanation for the viral moment tracks, via ESPN:
I think anyone interpreting this as trash talk of Ancelotti is missing the point. It's like an NFL player saying, "We're gonna get you, Patrick Mahomes," while laughing, or an NBA player chuckling while maintaining, "You're gonna rue the day, LeBron James." It's a sign of respect and a big 'ole nothing burger.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: What did Norway's coach say about Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti?
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Uh, about that. Someone might want to relay such news to Norway's manager, Ståle Solbakken.
In a pre-match press conference, Solbakken noted that Brazil should be favored against his Norwegian side in a Round of 16 matchup on Sunday. This is, after all, Norway's first World Cup appearance in almost three decades, whereas Brazil remains one of the globe's most consistent fixtures in this tournament. However, Solbakken expanded upon those thoughts, maintaining that, in his opinion, this version of Brazil and this version of Norway are a lot closer on paper than anyone realizes.
Hmm, I don't know that I agree with that assessment, and I certainly wouldn't have said it in front of a microphone for Brazil to hear, either:
“This is not the Brazil of 10 years ago”
-Norway coach Ståle Solbakken says Brazil are not ‘big big big favourites’ ahead of their round of 16 meeting in NY/NJ.#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/XomZPdsdcV
— Eric Njiru️ (@EricNjiiru) July 5, 2026
At face value, I understand why Solbakken would say this. As Norway's manager, he is the team's chief motivator. It is his inherent job to instill belief in his players, who already understand they are considered huge underdogs to most in a match against a country with immense soccer success like Brazil. To be sure, Solbakken was also part of the 1998 Norway team that defeated the then-reigning World Cup champion Brazil in the group stage. So, he knows something about pulling off unlikely upsets and how you have to think about them.
Still, it seems like a major misstep to let Brazil's players hear themselves and their caliber of play downplayed. We'll see whether Solbakken's tactic works in his favor or blows up in his face.
What did Ståle Solbakken say about Carlo Ancelotti?
Of course, Solbakken has also come under fire for a recent reference he made to Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's current manager and one of the best managers in soccer history. Though I think this was much tamer and more understandable, considering the circumstances.
A clip features Solbakken delivering a post-match speech to Norway after it defeated the Ivory Coast in the Round of 32. At the end, a smirking Solbakken says, "And wait, Carlo Ancelotti, we're coming for you!"
Contrary to what seems like popular belief, I don't think this was disrespect:
What I interpret this lighthearted Solbakken comment to be is a sign of respect. Ancelotti has won five Champions Leagues with two different clubs. Again, he's one of the greatest soccer managers ever. Solbakken knows all of this and was only joking about putting a bullseye on the back of a living legend.
Solbakken's explanation for the viral moment tracks, via ESPN:
I think anyone interpreting this as trash talk of Ancelotti is missing the point. It's like an NFL player saying, "We're gonna get you, Patrick Mahomes," while laughing, or an NBA player chuckling while maintaining, "You're gonna rue the day, LeBron James." It's a sign of respect and a big 'ole nothing burger.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: What did Norway's coach say about Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti?
Continue reading...
