Erling Haaland: Norway’s World Cup hero stuns Brazil with a stunning 2-1 victory, sending the Scandinavian nation to their first men’s quarter-final in history. The win also ended an era for Brazil, as Neymar Jr. announced his retirement from international football after the match. Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages, waking up after a quiet first half to power Norway into the last eight. Maybe this will write history in Norway, Haaland said, calling it one of the most insane days in Norwegian history.
The turning point came after a hydration break when Norway coach Ståle Solbakken urged Haaland to attack more. The striker responded with a header in the 79th minute and a composed finish two minutes later, his seventh goal of the tournament. He now has 62 goals in 54 appearances for Norway, and his brace drew him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. Andreas Schjelderup, introduced at half-time, created both goals.
Veteran goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland kept Norway ahead with a crucial penalty save from Bruno Guimarães in the 14th minute and later denied Endrick. Brazil’s only goal came from a Neymar penalty in stoppage time, too late to avoid elimination. Brazil have now lost seven straight World Cup knockout matches against European opposition, and their run of eight consecutive quarter-finals ends. We really fell short in the opportunities we did create, captain Marquinhos admitted.
Norway will face Mexico or England next in Miami Gardens, Florida. This triumph marks one of the greatest achievements in Norwegian men’s football history, following a 1995 women’s title. Erling Haaland’s heroics have captured the nation’s imagination, and his 14th consecutive competitive match with a goal underlines his world-class form. The team now looks ahead with confidence after a historic night.