Brazil's World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end after Norway defeated Brazil in the Round of 16 2-1 and Erling Haaland scored twice to take the Scandinavian nation to the quarter-finals.
For Brazil, the defeat continued one of the best records in international football. Norway has faced 88 different countries in the history of Brazil but until now in its history they have never been the side the five-time world champions defeated. Brazil had only two draws and two defeats against Norway before the game. That unwanted statistic was taken away but Brazil also lost at least once in a game that should have been their sixth World Cup title.
The first half was a tense affair. Both sides got chances. Brazil was the more dangerous team and took a penalty after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha in the box. The referee Ismail Elfath initially waved play on but a VAR review overturned the decision.
Bruno Guimaraes stepped up to take the spot kick but Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made a good save diving to his left to deny the Brazilian. The missed penalty was an important moment as Brazil failed to take the best chance of the opening half.
Nyland continued his excellent performance with some good saves against Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Junior and Rayan to keep Norway level with Brazil in the first half despite persistent pressure. Brazil dominated for most of the first half, but Norway kept focused and waited for chances to strike.
The match changed very dramatically after the break.
Norway got stronger in the second half and Erling Haaland started to dominate. Brazil had to struggle to contain the Manchester City striker whose physical presence and intelligent movement posed constant problems for the South American defence.
The breakthrough came in the 79th minute. Andreas Schjelderup delivered an inviting cross from the left and Haaland rose above Gabriel with a strong header into the bottom corner that gave Norway a deserved lead.
Haaland then sealed the game in the 90th minute. He collected the ball on the edge of the area, hit a powerful low strike that beat the goalkeeper and doubled Norway’s lead, sending Norwegian fans into wild celebrations.
Brazil pulled one goal back deep into stoppage time when Casemiro was fouled in the penalty area. Neymar, who came on as substitute in the second half, took the penalty in the 90+10th minute after a brief exchange with goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
But it was too late to ignite a comeback and the last whistle confirmed Norway’s famous 2-1 victory.
Haaland finished the game with a brilliant brace, taking his tournament score to seven goals and joining Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe on the top scorers list of the league. His performance underlined why he is one of the world’s most feared forwards.
For Brazil, the result marked their earliest World Cup exit since 1990. Bruno Guimaraes’ early penalty miss was ultimately decisive, Norway’s disciplined defence, inspired goalkeeping by Orjan Nyland and Haaland’s clinical finishing produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Norway now reaches the quarter-finals and will meet the winner of the Round of 16 match between Mexico and England, so confident after eliminating one of the greatest nations of football.
