Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 on Sunday to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
The Manchester City striker struck in the 79th and 90th minutes to seal a famous victory at MetLife Stadium, ending Brazil’s hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title.
Norway’s triumph was built on an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who saved a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimarães and produced a series of crucial saves to frustrate the Brazilian attack.
Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it was not enough to prevent Brazil from crashing out of the tournament.
Haaland’s two goals took his tally to seven for the competition, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the scoring charts as Norway advanced to a quarter-final meeting with either co-hosts Mexico or England in Miami on July 11.
For Brazil, the defeat marked another disappointing World Cup campaign despite the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti in a bid to end the country’s long wait for another world title.
Brazil had an early opportunity to take the lead after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha in the penalty area. Following a VAR review, referee Ismail Elfath awarded a penalty, but Nyland dived low to his left to keep out Guimarães’ effort.
The Norwegian goalkeeper continued to frustrate Brazil, denying Gabriel Martinelli, Vinícius Júnior and Guimarães with a string of outstanding saves.
Norway also threatened before the break, with Haaland creating an opening for Martin Ødegaard, whose effort was well saved by Alisson Becker.
Brazil increased the pressure after halftime, introducing Endrick and later Neymar, but Nyland remained equal to the task with more impressive saves.
The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute when Andreas Schjelderup delivered a cross from the left and Haaland rose above his marker to head Norway into the lead.
Haaland sealed the victory in the 90th minute, drilling a low shot into the bottom corner after Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty after Casemiro was fouled in the area, but the goal proved only a consolation as Norway held on to record a historic victory and secure their first World Cup quarter-final appearance.
