Eighteen minutes gone in Brasília and Norway already know they have got away with one. The ball flashed across the box, a Brazilian shirt loomed at the far post, but somehow the Scandinavians scrambled it clear. Both teams are charging around in the oppressive humidity, and nobody is sure how long that tempo can last.
The World Cup last-16 tie – kick-off at 9pm BST – pits five-time champions Brazil against a Norway side bidding to match the achievements of their Nordic neighbours. Denmark reached the quarter-finals in 1998, losing narrowly 3-2 to … Brazil. Sweden have been to a final and two semi-finals. Now it is Norway’s turn.
“Norway survive early scare in humidity as Brazil push for winner in World Cup last-16 tie.”
“I will be rooting enthusiastically for our Norwegian neighbours while rowing in my armchair,” wrote Lars Bøgegaard, a Dane, speaking for many in the region. “The Swedes has been to a World Cup-final and reached two semifinals, while we Danes got to the quarterfinals in 1998 losing narrowly 3-2 against … Brazil. Now it’s Norway’s turn to experience the sheer happiness, I hope.”
The winners of this match will face England in the next round – assuming the Three Lions navigate their own last-16 tie against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, where storms threaten disruption. But first, Norway must survive the Amazonian heat and a Brazilian side growing in menace. That early escape may prove the turning point.
For now, the humidity is the real opponent. The ball sticks, lungs burn, and one mistake will decide it. Norway have dodged one bullet. More are surely coming.