Haaland double sinks Brazil as Norway reach first World Cup quarter-final
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the World Cup round of 16, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
Haaland's decisive double
Norway's talisman struck twice in the final 11 minutes to overturn a tense knockout tie. In the 79th minute, Andreas Schjelderup crossed from the left and Haaland rose above Gabriel Magalhães to head past Alisson Becker. Eleven minutes later, the same combination produced a controlled finish that beat Becker at his near post. Haaland, who had already scored five goals in the tournament, took his tally to seven and moved level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
This Brazil is not what it was, no Bebeto, no Romario, no Pelé!
Brazil's missed chances
Brazil had the better opportunities for an hour but failed to convert. A third-minute Patrick Berg goal was ruled out for offside after Alexander Sørloth strayed beyond the last defender. Then, in the 12th minute, Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha inside the area. Bruno Guimarães took the penalty instead of Vinícius Júnior, but Ørjan Nyland dived to his right to keep it out. Endrick later missed a clear chance created by Vinícius, and Martinelli was denied by Nyland's outstretched leg.
Norway's historic achievement
Norway had never before reached the quarter-finals of a men's World Cup. The victory also extended their unbeaten record against Brazil to five matches (two wins, three draws). After the final whistle, players and fans performed the "rowing" celebration that has become the team's trademark in the United States. Norway will face either Mexico or England in the last eight.
- Berg goal disallowed for offside
- Guimarães penalty saved by Nyland
- Haaland heads Norway ahead
- Haaland scores second to seal win
- Neymar converts penalty for Brazil
Ancelotti's Brazil fall short
Carlo Ancelotti's side were eliminated in the round of 16 for the first time since 1994. The five-time champions have not won the World Cup since 2002 and have now been knocked out by European opponents in each of the last six tournaments. Ancelotti deployed a 4-4-2 with Vinícius and Cunha, relying on counter-attacks, but the plan unravelled after Guimarães' penalty miss. Neymar, introduced for the final 20 minutes, scored a 99th-minute penalty but it was only a consolation. The coach's future is now under scrutiny.
