A family who spent $10,000 on flights and hotel convinced Brazil would be playing in Miami's World Cup quarter-final instead found themselves watching from South Beach as their team were knocked out by Norway—the very side England must now face in a storm-threatened clash.
Miami's Hard Rock Stadium is braced for thunderstorms and scorching temperatures that could delay the 10pm kick-off. Thomas Tuchel's side, 9/10 favourites, are three wins from ending 60 years of hurt, but must reshuffle a defence missing Jarell Quansah, banned after his red card against Mexico. Marc Guehi (hamstring) and Declan Rice (sickness bug) both trained on Friday, along with Reece James, who could make his first appearance since injury.
“England face Norway in storm-hit World Cup quarter-final as Brazil fans watch from Miami in embarrassment.”
Norway, 3/1 outsiders, are buoyant after eliminating Brazil, and spearheaded by Erling Haaland. The winner will face Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta next Wednesday.
But the most surreal scene is on Miami's streets: Brazilian fans who booked flights months ago in confident anticipation of their team's presence now walk embarrassed. One mother, who declined to give her name, said: “We booked our flights back in April convinced that Brazil would be here. But it wasn’t to be. It has cost us 10,000 dollars for the flights and hotel but we decided to come anyway. It’s a bit embarrassing.”
England's dream rests on navigating both a spirited Norway side and Miami's volatile weather.