Norway scripted a remarkable chapter in their football history by defeating five-time world champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 at New Jersey Stadium.
The victory earned the Scandinavian nation its maiden appearance in a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, while Brazil bowed out before the last eight for the first time since the 1990 edition.
Erling Haaland once again proved the difference, producing both goals to increase his tournament tally to seven. His latest brace placed him level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
The prolific striker has now amassed 62 goals in only 54 international appearances, equalling Zlatan Ibrahimović’s Scandinavian record despite playing significantly fewer matches.
The Norwegians made an energetic start and thought Patrick Berg had opened the scoring inside three minutes, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Brazil soon received a penalty after a VAR intervention, but goalkeeper Orjan Haskjold Nyland produced an outstanding save to deny the South Americans an early advantage.
Norway eventually broke the deadlock when Andreas Schjelderup supplied Haaland, who powered a header beyond the goalkeeper.
The Manchester City striker doubled the lead shortly afterwards with a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area, putting Brazil under immense pressure.
Neymar reduced the deficit with a penalty in the closing moments of stoppage time, but the late goal was not enough to prevent Brazil’s exit. Norway held firm to complete a famous victory and continue their memorable World Cup campaign.
Having eliminated one of football’s most successful nations, Norway moves into the quarterfinals full of confidence. With Haaland maintaining exceptional form, they remain only two victories away from reaching their first-ever FIFA World Cup final.
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