Haaland Sends Brazil Crashing Out as Norway Reach Historic World Cup Quarter-Finals
Brazil suffer shock World Cup exit to Norway
Brazil’s hopes of winning a sixth FIFA World Cup title came to a disappointing end after a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Norway. Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages to secure Norway’s place in the quarter-finals and hand Brazil their earliest tournament exit since 1990.
The Manchester City striker struck in the final 11 minutes after Norway goalkeeper Orlan Nyland delivered a remarkable performance. Nyland also denied Bruno Guimaraes from the penalty spot during the first half.
Although Neymar converted a late penalty deep into stoppage time, Brazil could not find a way back.
Haaland shines as Norway makes history
Haaland’s two goals lifted him onto seven goals for the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the scoring charts. More importantly, Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
They will now face either co-hosts Mexico or England in Miami on July 11.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s long wait for another World Cup triumph continues. Carlo Ancelotti was appointed to end a 24-year title drought, but his side fell short once again. It also marked the sixth consecutive World Cup in which European opposition eliminated Brazil.
The last time Brazil failed to reach at least the quarter-finals was in 1990. On that occasion, Argentina claimed a narrow 1-0 victory in the Round of 16.
Brazil create chances but Nyland stands firm
Brazil made one change to the side that defeated Japan. Gabriel Martinelli started after scoring the winning goal in the previous round, replacing the injured Lucas Paqueta.
Norway also received a timely boost. Defender Julian Ryerson returned after recovering from a thigh injury that kept him out of the previous two matches.
Patrick Berg thought he had given Norway an early lead. However, the goal was ruled out for offside during the build-up.
Soon after, Brazil earned a penalty when Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha inside the area. Referee Ismail Elfath initially waved play on. However, VAR reviewed the incident and awarded the spot-kick.
Guimaraes stepped up, but Nyland guessed correctly. The goalkeeper dived low to his left and comfortably pushed the penalty away.
Nyland continued his outstanding display moments later. He got a vital touch to Martinelli’s dangerous cross, preventing Guimaraes from scoring from close range.
Shortly afterwards, Martin Odegaard lost possession near his own penalty area. Vinicius Junior looked certain to score, but Nyland reacted quickly and blocked the effort with his leg.
Brazil pay the price as Haaland strikes late
Despite limited opportunities, Haaland remained a constant threat. Before half-time, he overpowered Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos before setting up Odegaard. However, Alisson Becker produced an excellent save.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken made two changes at half-time, introducing Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup. Brazil responded by bringing on Endrick, who nearly made an instant impact.
Vinicius slipped a superb pass into Endrick’s path. However, the teenager lifted his effort wide as Nyland rushed off his line.
Nyland frustrated Brazil again with several important saves. He denied Rayan before keeping out another Guimaraes effort, although the offside flag eventually went up.
The introduction of Neymar in the 67th minute lifted the crowd. Nevertheless, Norway finally found the breakthrough.
Schjelderup delivered an inviting cross from the left. Haaland rose highest and powered his header into the corner to put Norway ahead.
Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser. However, Nyland even prevented an unfortunate own goal by tipping away Ajer’s looping header.
Haaland then sealed the victory in the 90th minute. He drilled a powerful low shot into the corner from the edge of the penalty area to double Norway’s advantage.
Brazil did pull one goal back. Neymar converted a penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time after Casemiro was elbowed in the box. The spot-kick followed a heated exchange between Neymar and Nyland.
However, the late goal arrived too late to save Brazil. Norway celebrated a famous victory, while Brazil left the World Cup far earlier than expected.
