Brazil had no homework on Haaland

It is always painful for a team like Brazil to be eliminated from the World Cup. But their defeat against Norway was completely deserved.

The fact that Norway won as the better team was clear from their planning and body language on the pitch.

I think five main reasons for Brazil’s defeat and some effective tactics from Norway.

Firstly, Brazil’s lack of preparation to stop Norway’s high pressing was more noticeable.

I think the high pressing football that Norway played throughout the match was beyond Brazil’s imagination.

Brazil probably thought that Norway would block low and came on the counter-attack. But that did not happen on the pitch; instead, Norway played much higher.

Usually, Brazilians are much more diverse and well-organized in midfield, where at least four players are active.

But in this match, Brazil’s midfield often featured only two players, which Norway took advantage of to create a ‘four versus two’ situation in the midfield and take full control of the midfield.

Secondly, the fear of Erling Haaland and the fragility of Brazil’s defense. Brazil had no ‘homework’ with Norway’s main weapon Haaland, which resulted in such an exit from the World Cup.

Although Haaland only touched the ball 10-12 times in the entire match, his presence was terrifying for Brazil. The Brazilian defenders were so terrified when they tried to stop him.

Thirdly, there was a clear lack of mental pressure, confidence, courage and patience among the Brazilian players, which was incompatible with a team like Brazil.

We saw the beginning of which in the group stage from the Morocco match. After the Morocco match, Brazil’s next three matches were promising.

But in the last 16 match, Norway’s dominance in the first 10 minutes probably made Brazil nervous and they did not show their usual courage or patience.

Even the missed penalty and the save by the Norwegian goalkeeper further reduced confidence, while giving Norway new inspiration.