Brazil 1-2 Norway: Erling Haaland double stuns five-time champions
Erling Haaland scored a clinical late brace to send Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history, knocking out a wasteful Brazil side despite Neymar’s deep stoppage-time penalty.
The Manchester City striker broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, rising imperiously above Arsenal nemesis Gabriel Magalhães to power home a thumping header from substitute Andreas Schjelderup’s cross. He then doubled the advantage in the 90th minute, ruthlessly drilling a low left-footed strike past Alisson Becker to send the travelling Norwegian support into absolute delirium.
Brazil, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, were left to deeply rue their missed opportunities on a dramatic afternoon in East Rutherford. The Seleção were handed a glorious chance to open the scoring inside the first 14 minutes when Matheus Cunha was fouled by Kristoffer Ajer in the area. However, Bruno Guimarães saw his stuttering spot-kick brilliantly saved down low by veteran goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
Nyland proved to be Norway’s unsung hero, producing a string of miraculous saves throughout the match to deny Vinícius Júnior and Gabriel Martinelli. Brazil introduced teenage sensation Endrick early in the second half, and he came agonizingly close to scoring within a minute of his arrival, only to drag his shot wide after being played through by a surgical Vinícius pass.
Norway’s tactical masterclass from Stale Solbakken was epitomised by the introduction of Schjelderup at the interval, who turned out to be the ultimate game-changer by providing the assists for both of Haaland’s goals as the South American giants pushed men forward.
Deep into stoppage time, Brazil were awarded a second penalty following a lengthy VAR review. Neymar, making only his second appearance of the tournament following his return from injury, stepped up in the 100th minute to confidently convert the spot-kick, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation with the final whistle blowing immediately after.
The victory triggers ecstatic celebrations across Norway, who now set up a historic quarter-final showdown against England. For Brazil, it marks their earliest World Cup exit since 1990, extending a painful 24-year wait for their elusive sixth world title.
