Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the World Cup round of 16, securing a historic place in the quarter-finals for the first time. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty, but his late goal could not prevent Brazil from suffering a shocking elimination.
Brazil started brightly and earned a penalty after 13 minutes when Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha inside the box. However, Bruno Guimaraes failed to convert from the spot as Norwegian goalkeeper Orjan Nyland produced a crucial save, leaving Brazil to regret the missed opportunity.
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Norway’s breakthrough came in the 79th minute after coach Stale Solbakken made decisive second-half substitutions. Andreas Schjelderup delivered an excellent cross for Haaland, whose towering header beat the Brazilian defence. Eleven minutes later, Schjelderup again provided the assist as Haaland fired a powerful long-range strike to double Norway’s advantage.
After the match, Solbakken praised his players for believing they could upset one of football’s biggest nations, while Haaland credited his focus and confidence for another match-winning display. The Manchester City striker has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive matches and moved level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi on seven goals in the tournament’s Golden Boot race.
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Brazil’s defeat marked its earliest World Cup exit since 1990 and extended the country’s title drought, with its last triumph coming in 2002. Defender Marquinhos accepted responsibility for the disappointing campaign, while Neymar was left in tears after the final whistle. Norway will now face either England or Mexico in the quarter-finals as the Scandinavian side continues its remarkable run.