Erling Haaland scored twice in the final stages as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium, knocking out the five-time champions and securing a place in their first-ever World Cup quarter-final.
Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland played a decisive role in the victory, saving a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimarães and producing several crucial stops to keep his side in the contest against sustained Brazilian pressure.
Brazil started strongly and were awarded a penalty after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha. However, Guimarães’ effort was saved low to the left by Nyland, setting the tone for a frustrating night for the South American side.
Despite Brazil controlling possession and creating multiple chances, they were repeatedly denied by the Norwegian goalkeeper, who also made key saves to stop efforts from Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli, and Guimarães.
Norway gradually grew into the match and came close through Martin Ødegaard and Haaland, but both sides went into halftime level.
The breakthrough arrived in the closing stages when Andreas Schjelderup delivered a cross from the left, allowing Haaland to rise above Gabriel Magalhães and head home the opening goal.
As Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Norway struck again in the 90th minute. Haaland finished calmly from the edge of the box, securing a 2-0 lead and sending the Norwegian supporters into celebration.
Brazil responded deep into stoppage time when Neymar converted a penalty following a late challenge in the box, but it proved too late to change the outcome.
The defeat marks Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990 and extends their struggles against European opposition, with six consecutive tournament eliminations at the hands of European teams.
Speaking after the match, Haaland described the result as “one of the most insane days in Norwegian history,” as his brace took him level with Lionel Messi on seven goals in the tournament.
Norway will now face either Mexico or England in the quarter-finals in Miami on July 11, marking a historic achievement for the Scandinavian side.
