Haaland hits 36.5 km/h and no Brazilian comes close — what that means for the Round of 16
Haaland clocked 36.5 km/h at the World Cup and no Brazilian player came anywhere near it. See the data and Ancelotti's key selection doubt ahead of the clash with Norway in the Round of 16.
There is a speed problem between Brazil and Norway — and the FIFA numbers make it crystal clear.
Erling Haaland reached 36.5 km/h in the match against Iraq. That is the highest top speed recorded by the striker at this World Cup, according to ge. Against Senegal he hit 35.2 km/h. Comet numbers, literally.
Now comes the worrying part: the fastest Brazilian player so far has been right-back Danilo, who clocked 34.2 km/h in the duel with Scotland. More than 2 km/h below the Norwegian's peak. Vini Jr. reached 34.1 km/h against Morocco, Marquinhos 33.8 km/h against Japan, and Raphinha 33.3 km/h against Haiti.
It is not just a matter of top speed — it is about what happens when Haaland hits the accelerator in open space. Nobody in the Seleção, so far, has shown they can keep up with him on equal terms.
And Ancelotti arrives at the game with an extra selection doubt: who steps in for Lucas Paquetá? According to Trivela, the battle is between Gabriel Martinelli and Danilo Santos to fill the No. 20's spot.
Golmetria's model gives Brazil a 60.81% chance of advancing to the quarter-finals — which shows the Seleção enter as favourites, but far from guaranteed to go through.
The match takes place this Sunday at 17h (Brasília time) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Whoever advances will face Mexico or England on 11 July in Miami.
The question that lingers: how will Brazil's defence solve the Haaland problem in open space? That answer may decide whether the sixth title dream stays alive.