FIFA 2026: Haaland’s double fires Norway past Brazil into historic first World Cup quarters

EAST RUTHERFORD: Erling Haaland struck twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 on Sunday to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history.

The Manchester City striker, who had been largely quiet for much of the last-16 encounter, broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a powerful header before sealing the victory in the 90th minute with a composed finish. The brace took his tally to seven goals in the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe as the competition’s leading scorer.

Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland also played a decisive role, producing four saves, including a brilliant stop from Bruno Guimaraes’ first-half penalty after the Brazilian midfielder was awarded a spot-kick following a VAR review.

Brazil created the better chances for much of the match but failed to make them count. Substitute Endrick squandered a golden opportunity shortly after coming on, while Nyland also denied efforts from Rayan and Guimaraes as Norway withstood sustained pressure.

The breakthrough came when Andreas Schjelderup floated a cross into the penalty area and Haaland rose above Gabriel Magalhaes to head past Alisson. Eleven minutes later, Schjelderup again turned provider, cutting the ball back for Haaland, who controlled it before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner to put the result beyond doubt.

Veteran forward Neymar pulled one back for Brazil from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time in what he later confirmed would be his final appearance for the national team, but it was too late to prevent Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

The victory preserved Norway’s perfect World Cup record against Brazil, having also beaten the South Americans 2-1 during the group stage of the 1998 tournament.

“I normally get one or two chances, and when I do, I usually score,” Haaland said. “It’s about staying focused and taking the opportunities when they come.”

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said his side believed they could compete despite facing one of football’s traditional powerhouses.

“I told the players that if we played at our best, we had every chance,” Solbakken said. “Reaching the quarter-finals wasn’t something I was thinking about before the tournament. First, we wanted to get out of the group, and then focus on the next match.”

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team had failed to capitalise on their chances.

“Everyone is deeply disappointed,” he said. “We had a good tournament overall, and there were moments today when we deserved to win, but we couldn’t take our opportunities.”

Norway will now face England in the quarter-finals on July 11 after the Three Lions defeated Mexico 3-2 later on Sunday.