It’s arguably one of the biggest rivalries in the game, and Sunday’s World Cup Round of 16 clash sees fierce rivals Brazil face Norway on the world’s biggest stage, as Premier League duo Erling Haaland and Gabriel do battle once more.
After being the main protagonists in several title deciders in the Premier League this season, where clashes between them have become fiercely competitive on more than one occasion, the Norwegian will face off against the Brazilian defender once again on Sunday.
The knockout fixture promises to be an intriguing affair, and former England striker Chris Sutton believes it will be a pivotal one.
“It’s the standout individual duel of the World Cup so far and will carry a huge influence in deciding which of these two sides goes on to reach the quarter-finals,” Sutton stated.
Sutton’s comments were echoed by former Newcastle and England hitman Alan Shearer, who, despite saying he was looking forward to the game as they ‘don’t like each other’, could be swayed to believe that Haaland’s previous record against Gabriel will make all the difference.
Haaland has netted 11 times in 11 games against his Premier League rival, and while he would surely enjoy continuing that form on Sunday, he comes up against a Brazil side managed by Carlo Ancelotti and organised by Gabriel himself. He also has the support of fellow Arsenal player and Norway skipper Martin Odegaard in their attacking lineup, and the pair could cause problems for the five-time world champions.
Furthermore, in a rather bizarre twist, Brazil has never defeated Norway in four encounters between the pair, suffering two defeats and two draws.
As the pair gear up for a place in the quarter-finals, all eyes will be on Haaland and Gabriel as they prepare to do battle again.
