Norway vs Brazil: Haaland Double Sinks Brazil as Norway Reach First-Ever World Cup Quarter-Final
New York, USA – Erling Haaland delivered a devastating late brace as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium to secure a historic place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the nation's history .
The Manchester City striker, who had been largely anonymous for much of the contest, struck twice in the final 11 minutes to break Brazilian hearts and end the Seleção's hopes of a sixth world title .
Nyland Heroics Set the Stage
The match turned on its head as early as the 14th minute when Brazil were awarded a penalty after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha in the box following a VAR review . Bruno Guimarães stepped up but saw his spot-kick saved by Norway's 35-year-old goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, who dived to his left to deny the midfielder .
It was the first time a Brazilian player had missed a World Cup penalty in regular time since Zico's failure at the 1986 tournament .
Nyland produced a string of outstanding saves throughout the encounter, denying Gabriel Martinelli, Vinícius Júnior, and teenage substitute Endrick in one-on-one situations . His only concession came deep into stoppage time when Neymar converted a consolation penalty .
Haaland Strikes When It Matters
Norway had earlier seen Patrick Berg's goal ruled out for offside within the opening minutes, but they remained disciplined and dangerous on the counter .
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute. Andreas Schjelderup, introduced at half-time by coach Ståle Solbakken, curled in a cross from the left, and Haaland rose above Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães to power a header into the far corner .
Eleven minutes later, the Norwegian talisman struck again. Collecting the ball on the edge of the area, he drilled a low left-footed finish beyond Alisson Becker to double Norway's advantage .
Brazil managed only a late response when Neymar converted a penalty in the 10th minute of added time after Leo Østigård fouled Casemiro . The veteran forward left the pitch in tears as Brazil's tournament ended in the Round of 16 for the first time since 1990 .
History and What Lies Ahead
The result extended Norway's remarkable unbeaten record against Brazil to five matches, having never lost to the South American giants in their history .
See also: MEXICO VS ENGLAND
Haaland's brace moved him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé at the top of the Golden Boot standings with seven goals . He has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive appearances for Norway, netting 27 goals in that run .
"It is one of the most insane days in Norwegian history," Haaland said after the match .
Norway will face England in the quarter-finals, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup .