Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Brazil controlled long spells of the match and looked the more threatening side in the first half, with Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli and Rayan all testing Norway’s defence. The South Americans were handed a golden opportunity in the 14th minute when a VAR review awarded a penalty, but Bruno Guimarães’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
The two sides went in level at the break, with Martin Ødegaard and Haaland also forcing saves from Alisson at the other end. Norway grew into the game after half-time, aided by the introduction of substitute Andreas Schjelderup. Brazil brought on Neymar and Endrick in search of a breakthrough, but it was Norway who struck first.
In the 79th minute, Schjelderup’s cross found Haaland, who rose highest to head Norway in front.Brazil pushed for an equaliser, with Casemiro shooting narrowly wide, but Norway held firm defensively. Haaland then wrapped up the win in the 90th minute, finishing calmly after another Schjelderup assist to complete his brace and send Norway through 2-0.
