FIFA WC 2026: Haaland brace sends Norway into quarterfinals with shock 2-1 win over Brazil
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Erling Haaland’s brace sent Norway into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time as they stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Monday.
Norway surged early and thought they had opened the scoring in the third minute when Patrick Berg’s header hit the roof of the net, but the flag cut the celebration short. Brazil were then awarded a penalty after a VAR review, only for Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Håskjold Nyland to produce a superb save to keep the match goalless.
In the closing stages, Norway broke the deadlock. Andreas Schjelderup set up Haaland for a headed finish, and the Manchester City striker then doubled the lead with a composed finish from about 16 metres. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 10th minute of added time, but it proved only a consolation as Brazil bowed out in the round of 16 for the first time since 1990.
Haaland’s two goals took him to six in this tournament and 62 in 54 appearances for Norway, drawing level with Zlatan Ibrahimović’s Scandinavian international tally. His scoring run in competitive matches now extends to 14 games (27 goals). Norway are now two wins away from the World Cup final.
(Inputs from IANS)