Erling Haaland delivered a dramatic late double as Norway produced one of the biggest shocks in recent World Cup history, defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time in their nation’s history.
The Manchester City striker rose highest to power home a header from Andreas Schjelderup’s cross in the 79th minute, before sealing the victory with a thunderous long-range strike just 11 minutes later. Neymar scored a stoppage-time penalty for Brazil, but it was too little, too late for the Seleção.
Brazil had dominated large portions of the match and looked set for a breakthrough early on when Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha in the 13th minute. However, Bruno Guimarães saw his penalty superbly saved by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken’s decisive half-time substitutions proved pivotal. The introduction of Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb injected fresh energy into the Scandinavian side, with Schjelderup providing the crucial assists for both of Haaland’s goals.
Haaland’s brace took his World Cup tally to seven goals, placing him level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
The result represents Brazil’s earliest exit from the tournament since 1990. Norway, meanwhile, will face either England or Mexico in the quarter-finals as they continue their fairytale run.
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