Erling Haaland delivered a stunning performance, scoring two goals in the final 10 minutes to lead Norway to a 2-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup last 16. The win sends Norway into the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, with Haaland's seventh and eighth goals of the tournament proving decisive.
First Half: Brazil's Early Dominance
Norway started aggressively, aiming to dominate Brazil in the first half, but struggled to break through. Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, surprised by starting Gabriel Martinelli in central midfield, a position he never plays for Arsenal. Despite the tactical gamble, Brazil had the better chances. In the third minute, Norway thought they had scored through Patrick Berg, but Julian Ryerson was ruled offside after a VAR check. Ten minutes later, Brazil were awarded a penalty after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha. Bruno Guimarães stepped up but saw his weak effort saved by Ørjan Håskjold Nyland. Both teams had further opportunities before half-time, with Vinícius Júnior and Martinelli drawing saves from Nyland, and Martin Ødegaard forcing a stop from Alisson.
Second Half: Solbakken's Changes Turn the Tide
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken made a double substitution at half-time, bringing on Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb for the wingers. The change paid off immediately, as Norway began to carve open the Brazilian defense. Brazil's best chance came when Vinícius set up Endrick, but the teenager's heavy touch saw his shot go wide. As Brazil pushed forward, Norway increasingly relied on counter-attacks. Haaland, who had been peripheral in the first half, began to assert himself, holding off both Brazilian center-halves and setting up Schjelderup, who should have scored.
Haaland's Decisive Strikes
With nine minutes remaining, Schjelderup crossed for Haaland, who rose above Arsenal teammate Gabriel Magalhães to head past Alisson. In added time, Haaland struck again, converting a Schjelderup pass low across goal from the edge of the penalty area. Brazil pulled one back through a Neymar penalty in the ninth minute of seven added minutes, but it was too late. Neymar left the field in tears as an era ended for Brazil, while Norway celebrated a historic victory.
Impact and Reactions
According to Ståle Solbakken, the win is a massive vindication for the team he has built over the past half decade. Haaland now has 30 goals in his last 17 competitive fixtures for Norway. Brazil's Carlo Ancelotti revealed that the penalty taker was chosen based on internal statistical analysis. The result sends Norway to the quarter-finals, where they will face an opponent yet to be determined.
