Norway have stunned five-time champions Brazil to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history. Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes to secure a 2-1 victory that sends the Scandinavians into uncharted territory while condemning Brazil to another painful elimination by European opposition.
The result marks a historic achievement for a Norway side making their first appearance at the finals since 1998. Managed by Ståle Solbakken, they advance to face either Mexico or England in the last eight.
Late drama after spot-kick salvation
The deadlock survived until the closing stages despite several key incidents. Norway had the ball in the net within three minutes when Patrick Berg finished from Julian Ryerson’s cross, but the assistant’s flag ruled it out for offside.
Brazil were awarded a penalty ten minutes later when Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha. However, Bruno Guimarães saw his spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, who correctly dived to his left to maintain the stalemate.
Solbakken reshaped his attack at the interval, introducing Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb. The move proved decisive. With 11 minutes remaining, Schjelderup crossed for Haaland to head past Alisson. The Manchester City striker sealed the victory in the 90th minute, converting another Schjelderup assist with a composed low finish from the edge of the area.
Carlo Ancelotti introduced Endrick in search of a response, and though Neymar converted a penalty in added time after Leo Østigård’s foul, Brazil could not find an equaliser. The defeat represents the sixth consecutive World Cup in which the South Americans have been eliminated by European opposition.
Haaland’s perfect record continues
Haaland’s double takes his tournament tally to seven goals, placing him alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the scoring charts. The 24-year-old has now found the net in all four of his World Cup appearances, celebrating his second strike with a broad smile in front of the travelling Norwegian supporters.
For Brazil, the exit ends a campaign that had already shown signs of vulnerability during group stage struggles against Japan and Morocco.
Quarter-final berth confirmed
Norway will discover their quarter-final opponents following the conclusion of the last-16 tie between Mexico and England. The winner of that match will face Solbakken’s side as the Scandinavians aim to extend their remarkable journey beyond the last eight.
Brazil, meanwhile, depart the tournament at the last-16 stage.