How Carlo Ancelotti showed 'enormous greatness' with 'strong' gesture to Stale Solbakken following Norway's World Cup win over Brazil

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Norway head coach Stale Solbakken said he struggled to sleep after his side’s dramatic 2-1 World Cup last-16 victory over Brazil, revealing that a classy gesture from Carlo Ancelotti put an end to any lingering tension over a pre-match video clip.

Stale Solbakken embraces Carlo Ancelotti before kick-off

Image credit: Getty Images

Before the World Cup clash, sections of Brazil’s support took exception to footage of Solbakken saying, ”Carlo Ancelotti, we’re coming for you!” following Norway’s previous victory over Ivory Coast.

Solbakken insisted the remark had been taken out of context, saying it was "only to praise" Ancelotti, who he called "one of the greatest coaches in European football".

The Norway boss added that any misunderstanding was quickly resolved after the final whistle.

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”I can say that he [Ancelotti] showed his enormous greatness after the match," Solbakken said.

"He sent a representative in with a Brazilian shirt with my name on the back and a greeting. So it was strong stuff."

Erling Haaland’s second-half brace secured Norway’s first-ever World Cup quarter-final, where they will face England in Miami on Saturday at 22:00 UK time.

While his players celebrated the historic achievement, Solbakken said he spent the night reliving the victory instead.

”I let the support staff celebrate for themselves. I was too tired, so I went to bed and watched the game again, and then I scrolled a little here and there and answered a few texts, and slept very little. But it was a good morning,” he said.

Stale Solbakken and Carlo Ancelotti exchange pleasantries

Image credit: Getty Images

The Norway boss also backed his squad to celebrate responsibly, adding: ”They decide these things themselves, it's freedom with responsibility. It always is, these boys manage that just fine.”

For Brazil, the defeat marked another bitter setback in their bid to end a long wait for World Cup glory under Ancelotti, who was appointed last year before signing a contract extension through to 2030.

Neymar's late penalty proved only a consolation as Brazil, who had just 34% possession, crashed out at their earliest stage of a World Cup since 1990.

Despite the disappointment of such an early exit, former Real Madrid and AC Milan manager Ancelotti made it clear he remains committed to the project.

”A defeat is the start of a new adventure. Now we need to keep working hard and keep improving,” the Italian said.

”This is football. This is sport. You just have to deal with it. We will use this as fuel going forward.”

The Brazilian Football Confederation sought to look ahead despite the disappointment, stating: ”The history of the Brazilian national team has been marked by great achievements, but also by moments that have strengthened us going forward.

"Today we say goodbye to the World Cup, but we are sure that we will come back stronger.”

Neymar confirmed after the defeat that he is retiring from international football.

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