Haaland Fires Norway Past Brazil into Historic World Cup Quarter-Finals

Erling Haaland scored twice after goalkeeper Orjan Nyland starred with a penalty save as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 to reach the last eight for the first time.

Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time after defeating Brazil 2-1 in a dramatic last-16 clash at MetLife Stadium.

Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages, while goalkeeper Orjan Nyland produced a series of outstanding saves to secure a famous victory.

As a result, Norway advanced to face England in the quarter-finals.

Brazil dominated much of the first half and created several clear chances.

However, Nyland denied Bruno Guimaraes from the penalty spot before making a string of crucial saves to keep the score level.

Patrick Berg thought he had given Norway an early lead.

However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

Haaland delivers late breakthrough

Haaland struggled to influence the match for long periods.

Nevertheless, he made the difference when it mattered most.

The Manchester City striker headed home from Andreas Schjelderup’s cross in the 79th minute to put Norway ahead.

Soon afterwards, he doubled the lead with a powerful low finish from the edge of the penalty area.

The brace took Haaland to seven goals in the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

Brazil exit early again

Brazil pulled one goal back deep into stoppage time after Neymar converted a penalty.

However, Norway held on to seal one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

The defeat marked Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

It also extended the team’s run of knockout defeats to European opponents to six consecutive World Cups.

Speaking after the match, Haaland described the victory as “one of the most insane days in Norwegian history.”