Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history after defeating five-time champions Brazil thanks to two late goals from Erling Haaland. The striker remained largely subdued for much of the contest before striking twice in the closing stages to secure a famous victory, while Brazil’s late penalty from Neymar only reduced the deficit.
The Scandinavian side thought they had made the perfect start when Patrick Berg found the net inside four minutes, but the goal was ruled out because Alexander Sorloth had been in an offside position earlier in the move. Brazil was then handed an excellent opportunity to take control after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha inside the penalty area.
Bruno Guimaraes stepped up from the spot in the 15th minute, but his hesitant run-up allowed goalkeeper Orjan Nyland to make the save. Nyland continued to impress before the break by denying Vinicius Jr. after the Brazilian forward capitalised on Martin Odegaard losing possession.
Brazil fail to capitalise before Haaland delivers
Carlo Ancelotti looked to change the momentum during the second half by introducing Endrick, who almost made an immediate impact. Released by Vinicius with his first involvement after coming on in the 58th minute, the 19-year-old found himself through on goal but failed to hit the target in a one-on-one situation.
Neymar was also introduced ten minutes later as Brazil searched for a breakthrough, yet Norway began creating the clearer openings. Andreas Schjelderup forced Alisson into a save before providing the decisive cross that changed the match.
With 79 minutes played, Schjelderup delivered into the area, and Haaland moved in front of Gabriel to head Norway into the lead. The goal rewarded a growing influence from the striker after a relatively quiet display during the opening hour.
Late drama confirms a famous Norwegian triumph
Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Nyland again came to Norway’s rescue when he tipped a looping effort onto the post in the 86th minute. Moments later, Haaland settled the contest himself with a powerful low strike from outside the penalty area in the 90th minute.
Deep into stoppage time, referee Ismail Elfath awarded Brazil another penalty after deciding Leo Ostigard had elbowed Casemiro. Neymar converted from the spot, although the goal arrived too late to alter the outcome as Brazil were eliminated before the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.
The victory also carried individual significance for Haaland, whose two goals lifted him to seven for the tournament, drawing level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Haaland wins duel as Brazil face difficult questions
Much of the attention before kick-off centred on the latest meeting between Haaland and Arsenal defender Gabriel, whose physical contests have become familiar in the Premier League. Their latest encounter remained subdued for long periods, with the first notable collision only arriving after half an hour and leaving Gabriel on the ground. Haaland’s only first-half effort from inside the area was comfortably collected by Alisson.
The Norway striker gradually became more involved after the interval. He almost reached an Ajer cross at the far post in the 67th minute before getting in front of Gabriel to score the opening goal, then added a superb second without any assistance to take his tournament tally to seven goals in only four matches.
Brazil’s defeat is also expected to increase scrutiny on head coach Carlo Ancelotti. His side had only 33.5% possession and relied mainly on counter-attacks, finishing with 14 shots, four on target and an expected goals figure of 2.73. Norway created fewer chances, producing an xG of 0.84, but made them count. Ancelotti, appointed in May 2025 after leaving Real Madrid and contracted until 2030, guided Brazil to World Cup qualification, though the nature of this exit is likely to bring immediate discussion over his future.
