Erling Haaland struck twice in the closing stages to seal a historic 2-1 victory over Brazil and send Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. The Manchester City striker’s late brace overshadowed a dramatic finale in which Neymar converted a penalty deep into added time, moments before apparently announcing his international retirement.
Thousands of supporters filled the streets of Oslo in the early hours following the final whistle, with Crown Prince Haakon joining an impromptu gathering outside the royal palace wearing a Norway scarf. Manager Ståle Solbakken described the triumph as “the greatest day in Norwegian football history” after his tactical adjustments at half-time turned the tide of a closely contested match.
Decisive double
Brazil had earlier spurned the chance to take the lead when Bruno Guimarães saw his first-half penalty saved with the scoreline blank. Haaland made them pay with two late goals, though the exact timing of his strikes remains unspecified in available reports.
Solbakken revealed that switching his wingers during the interval had been an instinctive decision aimed at increasing possession in dangerous areas. “You have to have faith in what you do,” he said. “You have to follow your gut feeling.” The coach praised his squad’s unity, noting that every player contributed to a memorable collective achievement.
End of an era for Brazil
Neymar’s penalty provided scant consolation for the five-time champions, who exit the tournament following a disappointing campaign. The forward appeared to confirm his departure from international football immediately after the match, stating: “I tried, I tried … Now it’s over.”
Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge of the national team just over a year ago, faces scrutiny following the elimination. The Italian acknowledged the profound disappointment within the squad but insisted the setback marks a transitional moment rather than a conclusion. “It’s not the end, it’s the beginning of a new cycle,” Ancelotti said, calling for the integration of a new generation of players into the Seleção.
Haaland, meanwhile, urged his compatriots to savour the moment. “Everyone has to enjoy themselves,” he said. “It’s one of the sickest days ever in Norwegian history.”