Erling Haaland dumped Brazil out of the World Cup at the last-16 stage as his brilliant late double secured a 2-1 win for Norway to set up a quarter-final against England or Mexico.
The Manchester City striker broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when he towered above Arsenal nemesis Gabriel to head beyond Alisson, then added a stunning second when his low drive from long range found the corner to leave the five-time winners stunned.
Neymar, on as a substitute for only his second appearance of the tournament, pulled a goal back with a late penalty but Haaland’s heroics punished Brazil’s wastefulness, with Bruno Guimaraes having had an earlier spot-kick saved by Orjan Nyland.
Haaland’s goals take him to seven at the World Cup, putting him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot. They also mean he has now scored in 14 consecutive internationals for Norway, extending an extraordinary run.
As Norway prepare for the first World Cup quarter-final in their history, Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, are left to rue another early tournament exit, with Bruno’s botched penalty, following a stuttered run-up, one of several missed opportunities.
Substitute Endrick poked a one-on-one chance wide soon after coming off the bench, while Vinicius Jr was denied by the excellent Nyland, who also pulled off a sensational save to prevent a Kristoffer Ajer own goal a few minutes after Haaland’s opener.
Haaland won his battle with Gabriel emphatically
Norway will now await the result of England’s last-16 clash with Mexico to learn their quarter-final opponents but Haaland’s outstanding form gives them hope of going all the way.
The key moments from New Jersey
- 14: PENALTY SAVED! Bruno Guimaraes has his spot-kick saved by Nyland
- 40: SAVE! Nyland makes big save from Vinicius Jr at his near post
- 59 WASTE! Endrick is put through by Vinicius Jr but pokes wide
- 68: Neymar is applauded onto the pitch as he appears as a substitute
- 79: GOAL! Haaland rises above Gabriel to head in Andreas Schjelderup’s cross
- 85: SAVE! A back-peddling Nyland sensationally prevents an Ajer own goal
- 90: GOAL! Haaland drills in his second from outside the Brazil box
- 90+10: GOAL! Neymar converts a penalty but it’s only a consolation
In pictures: Haaland’s brilliance
Haaland rises above Gabriel to head in the first goal
Haaland fires home his second goal for Norway
Haaland led Norway’s ‘Viking Row’ after the game
…and Neymar’s tears
Neymar was emotional after what might prove his final World Cup game
Neymar had to be consoled by team-mates
Neymar’s penalty came too late for Brazil
Neville: Incredible Haaland spooked Gabriel
Speaking on ITV, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said: “Haaland spooked Gabriel, maybe.
“Sometimes you say with these players that they’ve never done it on the world stage. That argument has been removed with Haaland. I’m delighted for him. He’s a big personality.
Haaland reacts after doubling his goal tally against Brazil
“I’m fuming with Gabriel from a personal point of view. He knows that forward better than anyone: for him to stay five yards off him and go for a straight race on a header, it’s crazy from Gabriel.
“Block his run, get tight to him. But he’s the best at that Haaland. Once he runs at you and gets a run on you, you’re dead.”
Haaland’s incredible numbers
- Haaland has now scored in his last 14 competitive international matches for Norway, netting 27 goals across this run.
- He last failed to score in a competitive match for his nation in October 2024 against Austria in the UEFA Nations League.
- Haaland is the first Norway player to score two goals in a knockout match in a major international tournament.
- Haaland has now scored 62 times in 54 appearances for Norway.
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