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| Norway knockout Brazil to advance to quarter final |
Erling Haaland's brace send five-time champions crashing out
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey – Norway has etched its name into World Cup folklore once again. In a stunning Round of 16 upset at MetLife Stadium, the Scandinavian underdogs defeated five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach their first-ever World Cup quarter-final.
Erling Haaland was the architect of the historic victory, scoring twice in the final 11 minutes to silence the Brazilian faithful and send the Viking supporters into raptures. But the night belonged just as much to goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, whose first-half penalty save proved pivotal in keeping the score level when Brazil threatened to take control.
First Half: Drama, Disallowed Goals, and a Saved Spot-Kick
The match burst into life within the opening minutes. Norway thought they had taken a sensational third-minute lead when Patrick Berg tapped home from close range after Alexander Sørloth's cut-back. However, the linesman's flag immediately went up, and VAR confirmed Sørloth was offside.
The drama intensified just ten minutes later. Kristoffer Ajer was adjudged to have fouled Matheus Cunha in the box, and referee Ismail Elfath pointed to the spot after a VAR review . The decision sparked controversy, as replays suggested Ajer may have touched the ball before making contact with Cunha.
Bruno Guimarães stepped up with the weight of a nation on his shoulders. The midfielder paused before his strike, aiming for the right side. But Nyland guessed correctly, diving low to his left to produce a brilliant save—Brazil's first missed penalty at a men's World Cup since 1986.
The save proved to be a turning point. Norway's goalkeeper went on to make several vital interventions, including a crucial stop to deny Vinícius Júnior just before half-time . At the other end, Alisson produced a fine save to deny Martin Ødegaard in stoppage time, ensuring the sides went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
Second Half: Haaland Takes Over
Brazil continued to probe after the interval, but Norway's disciplined defence held firm. The midfield pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães struggled to break down the Scandinavian wall, while Haaland's physical presence occupied Gabriel Magalhães and created space for his teammates.
The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute. Andreas Schjelderup whipped in a pinpoint cross from the left, and Haaland rose above Gabriel to power a header into the far corner . It was the Manchester City striker's sixth goal of the tournament.
Norway sealed the historic victory in the 90th minute. Schjelderup and Haaland combined once again, with the striker collecting the ball outside the box. He took a touch with his right foot before unleashing a blistering left-footed shot across Alisson into the bottom corner inside the box. It was Haaland's seventh goal of the tournament, moving him level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot race.
Brazil pulled one back in stoppage time through Neymar, who converted a penalty after coming on as a 67th-minute substitute. But it was too little, too late.
Historic Achievement for Norway
The victory marks Norway's first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance . It also continues a remarkable unbeaten record against Brazil—in five meetings, Norway has never lost to the five-time champions, famously beating them 2-1 in the 1998 World Cup group stage.
"This is massive for Norwegian football," said Norway coach Ståle Solbakken, who had urged his side to "play the match, not the circumstances" before kick-off . "The players showed incredible belief and discipline. When you have Erling Haaland in your team, you always have a chance."
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who had warned his defenders about the Haaland threat before the match, was left to rue his team's missed opportunities . Despite controlling possession and creating the better chances, the Seleção simply could not find a way past Nyland.
What's Next
Norway will now face the winner of the Mexico vs England match in the quarter-finals . With Haaland firing on all cylinders and Nyland in inspired form, the Vikings will believe anything is possible.
For Brazil, it is another painful early exit. The five-time champions entered the tournament as one of the favourites but depart in the Round of 16, with their wait for a sixth World Cup crown extending to at least 2030.
