Erling Haaland delivered a masterclass when it mattered most, scoring twice in the second half to fire Norway to a stunning 2-1 victory over five-time world champions Brazil and secure a historic place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the very first time.
The result marks one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, as Brazil’s hopes of lifting a sixth World Cup trophy came to a disappointing end before the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.
Brazil had the perfect opportunity to seize control early in the contest after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha with a sliding challenge inside the penalty area. However, Bruno Guimarães failed to capitalise, seeing his stuttering penalty brilliantly saved by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland in the 15th minute.
With the game finely balanced, Haaland stepped up to deliver the decisive moments. In the 79th minute, the Manchester City striker rose above Gabriel to power a commanding header beyond Alisson and hand Norway the breakthrough.
The striker then put the result beyond doubt in the final minute of normal time, unleashing a superb low strike from outside the box that found the bottom corner and sparked jubilant celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Brazil were handed a late lifeline deep into stoppage time when referee Ismail Elfath awarded a second penalty after judging Leo Østigård to have elbowed Casemiro. Neymar calmly converted from the spot, but it proved nothing more than a consolation as the final whistle confirmed Brazil’s shock elimination.
Haaland’s brace takes his tally to seven goals at this World Cup, drawing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
For Norway, the victory represents a landmark achievement. They will now prepare for the first World Cup quarter-final in their history, where they will face either England or co-hosts Mexico on Sunday, July 12, with dreams of an even more remarkable run still very much alive.
