Erling Haaland scored two late goals as Norway clinched a stunning 2-1 win over Brazil in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Sunday, sending the Scandinavian side into the quarter-finals for the first time.
Brazil, five-time world champions, bowed out before the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990. Neymar’s penalty deep into stoppage time came too late to spark a comeback after Bruno Guimaraes had missed an early spot-kick.
Playing in hot and humid conditions and backed by only a small section of fans, Norway stayed composed throughout. Haaland used his towering presence to head home the opening goal in the 79th minute before sealing the famous win with a powerful long-range strike.
Most of the crowd wore Brazil’s famous yellow jerseys, expecting another dominant display from a team that had gone 11 World Cup matches without defeat in the United States.
Instead, they watched Norway end Brazil’s campaign and extend the South American giants’ wait for another World Cup title, with their last triumph coming in 2002.
Brazil had the perfect chance to take an early lead when Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha in the box after 13 minutes. But Bruno Guimaraes, rather than Vinicius Jr, took the penalty, and Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made a superb save to keep the scores level.
Norway coach Solbakken’s second-half substitutions proved decisive. He introduced Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb on the wings, adding fresh energy and creating the openings Haaland needed.
Schjelderup delivered a brilliant cross for Haaland to rise above the Brazilian defence and head Norway in front. Eleven minutes later, Schjelderup was involved again as Haaland, despite looking tired, unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that flew past the goalkeeper, leaving Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti staring on helplessly.
Neymar converted a penalty in the 100th minute, but it only reduced the deficit. The Brazilian star was seen in tears after what turned out to be his final World Cup appearance.
Haaland, who has now scored in 14 straight competitive matches, moved level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race with his seventh goal of the tournament. He celebrated the famous victory by beating a drum in front of Norway’s travelling supporters as Brazil’s fans headed for the exits.
Norway will face England in the quarter-finals.
