Norway eliminates record world champion Brazil 2:1 from World Cup

The 25-year-old thus decided the match single-handedly. It was his third brace of the tournament. With 62 goals in 54 international appearances, Haaland is already one of the most prolific strikers of his generation; in his last 14 international outings he has scored 27 goals.

A historic evening for Norway

For Norway, coached by Ståle Solbakken, it was the greatest achievement in the association's history. They had survived two knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time, it was said from the Norwegian camp. The brace sent the team to the quarterfinals in Miami on Saturday, where the winner of the match between Mexico and England awaits.

On the Brazilian side, the tournament was disappointing. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, the first non-Brazilian coach of the Seleção, had to watch as his team failed against a European opponent in the World Cup Round of 16 for the sixth time in a row. The five-time world champion has thus been eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time since 1990 – the worst performance by a Brazilian side in 36 years.

Nyland becomes Brazil's nightmare

As early as the 14th minute, Bruno Guimarães had missed a big chance to take the lead. His penalty was saved by goalkeeper Örjan Nyland, who guessed the right corner correctly. It was only the second penalty missed by a Brazilian at a World Cup since Zico in 1986 against France.

Norway had also scored early through Patrick Berg, but the goal was ruled out in the third minute for an offside position by assist provider Alexander Sörloth. Brazil's offensive attempts were also repeatedly thwarted by Nyland, who is without a club after the expiry of his contract at Sevilla.

The Norwegian goalkeeper became the secret hero of the evening. In the 31st minute he saved against Gabriel Martinelli, in the 40th against Vinícius Júnior, in the 62nd against Gabriel, and in the 85th he brilliantly deflected a clearance by his own defender Kristoffer Ajer onto the post.

Brazil's attack disappoints

Despite Brazil's periods of territorial dominance, Norway looked the more dangerous side in front of goal. Martin Ödegaard, the Norwegian captain, was denied by goalkeeper Alisson Becker in first-half stoppage time (45+3) before Haaland finally struck after the break. Brazil's Endrick had a huge chance in the 59th minute but chipped the ball just wide of the goal.

After going 0-2 down, Ancelotti tried to react and brought Neymar on for Martinelli in the 67th minute. The superstar scored the consolation goal to make it 1-2 in the tenth minute of stoppage time (90+10) from a penalty, but it came too late. The penalty had been awarded because Ajer had fouled Matheus Cunha in the box and referee Ismail Elfath had pointed to the spot after a video review.

Outlook on the quarterfinal in Miami

"Es war ein echter Thriller, es hätte in beide Richtungen gehen können. Wir haben einen überragenden Stürmer, der zwei fantastische Tore gemacht hat", said Solbakken after the match. With the victory, Norway became the first team that, in Brazil's history across five previous meetings, had never beaten them – three wins, two draws.

In the Round of 16, Gabriel Martinelli, who replaced the injured Lucas Paquetá, had already moved into the starting lineup. Endrick was also not in the initial formation; Neymar started on the bench, while Raphinha was available again after a two-week injury layoff.

Brazil had begun the tournament with a 2-1 win over Japan before Ancelotti's team advanced to the knockout stage. Now elimination awaits the South Americans, who had failed against a European side every time they met in the knockout stage since 2002.

Reactions to the match

Haaland, who almost single-handedly carried the team with a brace, showed his emotion after the match: "Ich habe bereits einige Höhen erlebt in diesem Turnier, das ist ein neuer Gipfel", said the star striker. With seven goals, he drew level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in the World Cup goalscorer rankings.

For Norway, the tournament continues on Saturday, July 11, at 23:00 Swiss time, in Miami. If Haaland maintains his form, the semifinals could be within reach for the Scandinavians – the greatest achievement by a Norwegian side at a World Cup.

The victory over the record champions also has a historical dimension: Never before has a Brazilian side lost to Norway in the knockout stage. That this sixth meeting now ended this way underlines the sensation of this evening.

After the final whistle, the Norwegian players celebrated with their fans in the stadium, while the Brazilian players left the pitch disappointed. The Seleção will now have to reorient themselves, as the first competitive matches of the new season are already scheduled for Tuesday. Ancelotti is likely to have to worry about his job.