Haaland Fires Norway Into Historic World Cup Quarter-finals as Brazil Crash Out
Erling Haaland scored twice in the second half to inspire Norway to a famous 2-1 victory over Brazil and send his country into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
The Manchester City striker produced a clinical display when it mattered most, scoring in the 79th and 90th minutes to knock out the five-time world champions in a stunning last-16 encounter in New Jersey.
Brazil were left to regret a missed first-half penalty by Bruno Guimaraes, while Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland delivered a superb performance to help his side secure one of the biggest victories in their football history.
The match began at a fast pace, with Norway almost taking the lead after just four minutes. Patrick Berg found the net, but the goal was ruled out after Alexander Sorloth was judged to be offside.
Brazil were then handed a golden opportunity to go ahead in the 15th minute when Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha inside the penalty area. However, Bruno Guimaraes failed to convert from the spot as Nyland produced an excellent save.
The Norwegian goalkeeper continued to frustrate Brazil, later denying Vinicius Jr after the winger capitalised on a mistake by Norway captain Martin Odegaard.
Brazil pushed for the opening goal in the second half and introduced teenage striker Endrick in the 58th minute. The 19-year-old had an immediate chance after being set up by Vinicius, but he failed to hit the target despite going through one-on-one with Nyland.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti then introduced Neymar in an attempt to break the deadlock, but it was Norway who looked more dangerous in the closing stages.
After Alisson Becker had kept out an effort from Andreas Schjelderup, the Benfica winger delivered a perfect cross in the 79th minute, allowing Haaland to get ahead of Arsenal defender Gabriel and head home the opening goal.
Nyland made another crucial save shortly afterwards before Haaland produced a moment of brilliance in the 90th minute, firing a powerful low shot from outside the box to double Norway’s advantage.
Brazil were awarded a second penalty deep into stoppage time after referee Ismail Elfath ruled that Leo Ostigard had elbowed Casemiro. Neymar converted the spot-kick, but it proved only a consolation.
Haaland Wins the Battle Against Brazil
Much of the attention before the match focused on the battle between Haaland and Brazil defender Gabriel, a rivalry familiar to Premier League fans.
For much of the game, Gabriel kept the Norwegian striker quiet. However, Haaland showed why he is considered one of the world’s best forwards by delivering when his team needed him most.
The 25-year-old’s two goals took his tally to seven in the tournament, putting him level with France star Kylian Mbappe and Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Despite having only 33.5 per cent possession and generating an expected goals figure of just 0.84, Norway made their chances count. Brazil, meanwhile, created an expected goals tally of 2.73 but failed to convert their opportunities.
Questions Over Ancelotti’s Future
The defeat marks Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990 and is likely to increase pressure on head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian manager, who took charge in May 2025 after leaving Real Madrid, guided Brazil to the World Cup but could not prevent a disappointing campaign ending before the quarter-finals.
Norway will now face either England or co-hosts Mexico in the quarter-finals, while Brazil return home after another painful World Cup disappointment.
