Premier League fireworks in New Jersey: Gabriel and Haaland lock horns in World Cup spectacle

Head to head' typically refers to comparisons or confrontations between two players or teams. In the case of Gabriel Magalhaes and Erling Haaland, the term is literal. The Arsenal defender and Manchester City striker have engaged in several physical clashes, including head-to-head contact, during Premier League matches.

Tonight at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the EPL title is not at stake, but the duel between Gabriel and Haaland could be decisive as Brazil faces Norway in the World Cup Round of 16.

On April 19, Gabriel and Haaland delivered memorable moments at the Etihad. In a match that ended 2-1 for Manchester City, Haaland scored the winning goal and engaged in several intense clashes with Gabriel. Near the final whistle, Gabriel confronted Haaland head-on, but Haaland stood his ground. Had he fallen, Gabriel likely would have received a red card.

"If I go down, it's a red card," Haaland said later. "I would never do this. My father (Alfie, a former City and Norway player himself) taught me this: stay on your feet and don't be a… it starts with P. That's the reality. Maybe, yes, I should have gone down. Maybe it would be easier."

Despite their on-field clashes, Gabriel and Haaland appeared to enjoy the competition, embracing and shaking hands after the match, demonstrating mutual respect.

However, tonight's high stakes will set aside past camaraderie. Brazil cannot afford another early World Cup exit, given their high expectations. Norway, participating in their first World Cup since 1998 when they defeated Brazil 2-1 in the group stage, have a talented squad featuring Haaland, Odegaard, and Sorloth. This match presents a rare opportunity for Norway to make history, and eliminating the five-time world champions would be a significant achievement with global impact.

The Selecao, led by Carlo Ancelotti, are determined to advance despite significant injury challenges. Neymar made only a brief appearance against Scotland, while Raphinha missed both that match and the Round of 32 against Japan due to a hamstring injury.

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Ancelotti announced that the Barcelona forward may play a limited role from the bench against Norway.

Raphinha, 29, missed Brazil’s final group-stage win against Scotland and the Round of 32 victory over Japan after leaving the 3-0 win over Haiti on June 19 in the 40th minute with a hamstring injury.

"He is making great progress, but is not 100 per cent ready. He might be on the bench to play a few minutes so we might be able to use him. But he is recovering very fast and we are very happy. That's because he is a very important player for our team."

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Lucas Paqueta was substituted at halftime against Japan and will be unavailable to face Norway.

"We have players in our squad with the quality of Paqueta but each with different characteristics, like Danilo, who is different from (Gabriel) Martinelli, from (Matheus) Cunha, from Ederson," Ancelotti said.

"The choice will depend on how our team plays, taking into account the opponent's strength. Defensively, we need someone on the left like Paqueta, and both Martinelli and Danilo can do that. With the ball, they need to effectively fill the left midfield role."

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 16

Saturday

Canada - Morocco 0-3 (0-0)

/Ounahi 50, 82, Rahimi 90+8/

Sunday

France - Paraguay 1-0 (0-0)

/Mbappe 70 pen/

23.00: (1.90) Brazil (3.90) Norway (4.15)

Monday

03.00: (3.25) Mexico (3.15) England (2.45)

22.00: (3.80) Portugal (3.45) Spain (2.00)

Tuesday

03.00: (2.70) USA (3.40) Belgium (2.65)

19.00: (1.37) Argentina (4.70) Egypt (9.00)

23.00: (3.40) Switzerland (3.25) Colombia (2.30)

***odds are subject to change***