Vini vs Haaland: Who will survive?

The race for the World Cup Golden Boot adds another fascinating subplot when Brazil take on Norway in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash at the New York-New Jersey Stadium today. Vinicius Junior has struck four goals in as many matches for the five-time champions, while Norway's Erling Haaland has netted five in just three appearances after being rested for their final group game. With Lionel Messi leading the charts on seven goals and Kylian Mbappe close behind on six, both forwards know another big performance could keep them firmly in the hunt. But while the individual battle promises fireworks, Brazil face an even bigger challenge against the only opponent they have played but never beaten.

** This will be the fifth meeting between the sides in all competitions and their second at the World Cup. Brazil have drawn twice and lost twice against Norway, including a 2-1 defeat at the 1998 World Cup.

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** More concerningly for coach Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil have been eliminated in each of their last six World Cup knockout ties against European opposition since beating Germany in the 2002 final.

** One encouraging omen for Brazil is that they have progressed from nine of their 10 World Cup Round of 16 ties, with their only defeat at this stage a 1-0 loss to Argentina in 1990.

** Brazil can register four consecutive World Cup victories today for the first time since their 11-match winning run between the 2002 and 2006 tournaments.

** Brazil are averaging 15.0 shots per game at this year's tournament (60 in four matches), their second-lowest figure in a single World Cup edition, ahead of only 1998 (14.4). However, their expected goals (xG) per shot of 0.16 is their highest on record, suggesting they are creating higher-quality chances.

** Bruno Guimaraes has registered four assists at this tournament. Only Pele (six in 1970) has recorded more assists for Brazil in a single World Cup edition.

** Ancelotti faces a selection dilemma. Raphinha, who suffered an injury against Haiti in Brazil's second group game, has returned to training after a two-week lay-off, but replacement Rayan impressed during his absence and could retain his place.

** Lucas Paqueta will miss the match after sustaining a hamstring injury against Japan, forcing changes in midfield. Whether Ancelotti gets Neymar, yet to play a minute in the knockout stage of this tournament, back in the mix is to be seen.

** Before this tournament, Norway had played only two knockout matches at major tournaments, losing both to Italy at the 1938 and 1998 World Cups.

** Erling Haaland has scored in each of his last 13 competitive internationals, netting 25 goals during that run. A goal against Brazil would make him only the eighth European player to score in each of his first four World Cup appearances.

** Norway have both scored (10 goals) and conceded (8) in all four of their matches at this tournament, and they can ill afford to give Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha too many opportunities.