Haaland Late Double Sinks Brazil as Norway Seal Historic World Cup Quarterfinal Berth

Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages to knock five-time champions Brazil out of the World Cup, as Norway won 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in front of a sellout crowd of 80,663 to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in the men's team's history.

Norway thought they had the lead inside four minutes when midfielder Patrick Berg turned home a rebound, but the goal was chalked off after Alexander Sorloth was flagged offside in the buildup.

Brazil had the better of the early exchanges and were awarded a penalty in the 14th minute after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha in the box. But Bruno Guimarães, stepping up instead of Vinícius Júnior, saw his low effort saved by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, who dived to his left to keep the score level. It was the first missed penalty by a Brazil player at a World Cup since Zico in 1986.

The first half finished goalless, and Norway coach Ståle Solbakken reshaped his side at the break, sending on winger Andreas Schjelderup. The substitution would prove decisive. Nyland made another key save just after the hour, this time denying Vinícius Júnior after the Brazil forward had dispossessed Norway captain Martin Ødegaard.

Brazil pushed for a breakthrough of their own, introducing teenager Endrick for Cunha just past the hour mark. He was played clean through by Vinícius almost immediately but shot wide with only Nyland to beat. Carlo Ancelotti brought on Neymar shortly after, but it was Norway who struck first.

In the 79th minute, Schjelderup whipped in a cross from the left and Haaland rose above centre-back Gabriel to head Norway in front. The Manchester City striker doubled the lead in the final minute of normal time, driving low into the corner from the edge of the box after another assist from Schjelderup. The two goals took Haaland level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings on seven goals, and extended his scoring run for Norway to 14 straight games.

Brazil got a goal back deep into stoppage time when referee Ismail Elfath pointed to the spot after adjudging Leo Østigård to have caught Casemiro with an elbow. Neymar converted, but there was no time left for a second act, and Norway held on to finish the job.

By the Numbers

Brazil dominated territory and chances on paper, finishing with 14 shots to Norway's nine and an expected-goals figure of 2.73 against Norway's 0.84. Endrick also struck the post. Norway, though, made their moments count, and were far more accurate in front of goal, putting five shots on target compared with Brazil's four and missing only two clear-cut chances to Brazil's four.

Norway also ran the game through possession, holding the ball for 66 percent of the match and completing well over twice as many passes as Brazil. Their defending held up under pressure too, winning the vast majority of aerial and tackling duels and getting through the game without picking up a single card.

Nyland finished as the standout goalkeeper of the night, adding another big save late on when he tipped a looping effort onto the post in the 86th minute. Brazil keeper Alisson also made three stops but could not match his opposite number's impact on the scoreline.

What it Means

The defeat ends Brazil's run of reaching the quarterfinals at every World Cup between 1994 and 2022, and marks their sixth straight World Cup exit to a European side since their last title in 2002. It also leaves the Seleção facing their longest wait for a World Cup trophy since their first title in 1958; by the 2030 tournament, that drought will stretch to 28 years.

For Norway, who had lost both of their previous Round of 16 appearances, in 1938 and 1998, it is one of the biggest results in the men's national team's history. They will now face England, who edged Mexico 3-2 in the other Round of 16 match on Monday.

Among the celebrity spectators at MetLife Stadium were Jay-Z, Chris Rock, Woody Harrelson, Sofía Vergara and NBA champion Jalen Brunson, who drew a loud cheer from the crowd when shown on the big screen.