Erling Haaland knocked Brazil out of the World Cup at the last 16 stage as his late brilliance twice secured a 2-1 win over Norway to set up a quarter-final against either England or Mexico.
The Manchester City striker broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when he lobbed Arsenal’s Gabriel past Alisson, then added a superb second when his low long-range drive found a corner to leave the five-time winners stunned.
Neymar, making only his second appearance at the tournament, pulled a goal back with a late penalty but Haaland’s heroes punished Brazil’s waste, with Bruno Guimaraes having an early spot-kick saved by Orjan Nyland.
Haaland’s goals took 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 say he has scored in 14 consecutive games for Norway, extending an extraordinary run.
As Norway prepares for their first World Cup quarter-final in their history, Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, are left with yet another early exit from the competition, with Guimaraes’ penalty missed, following a run, one of many missed opportunities.
Substitute Endrick opened the scoring shortly after coming off the bench, while Vinicius Jr was denied by the excellent Nyland, who again pulled off an impressive save from Kristoffer Ajer minutes after Haaland’s opener.
Norway will now have to wait for 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.
Highlights from New Jersey
- 14: PUNISHMENT SAVED! Bruno Guimaraes had his spot-kick saved by Nyland
- 40: WAIT! Nyland made a big save on Vinicius Jr in his near post
- 59 SPILL! Endrick is pinned by Vinicius Jr but he tags in
- 68 SUB! Neymar is applauded in the stadium as he seems to be taking over
- 79: GOAL! Haaland rises above Gabriel to head in Andreas Schjelderup’s cross
- 85: WAIT! Nyland playing at the back blocks Ajer’s goal
- 90: GOAL! Haaland plays for the second time outside the box for Brazil
- 90+10: GOAL! Neymar converts the penalty but it is only a consolation
In pictures: The genius of Haaland
Haaland rises above Gabriel to score the first goal
Haaland scored his second goal for Norway
Haaland led Norway’s ‘Viking Row’ after the match
…and Neymar’s tears
Neymar was devastated after what would prove to be his last World Cup game
Neymar had to be comforted by his teammates
Neymar’s penalty came too late for Brazil
Neville: The unbelievable Haaland shocked Gabriel
He continued to speak ITV, Sky Sports a scholar Gary Neville he said: “Haaland is scared of Gabriel, maybe.
Sometimes he says to these players that they have never done that in the world. That dispute has been cleared with Haaland. I am happy for him. He has a great personality.
Haaland reacts after doubling his goal tally against Brazil
“I’m angry with Gabriel from a personal point of view. He knows that ahead better than anyone: for him to stay five meters away from him and go straight racing with his head, it’s crazy for Gabriel.
“Prevent him from running away, tighten up on him. But he is much better than that Haaland. If he runs at you and runs at you, he is dead.”
Amazing numbers from Haaland
- Haaland has now scored in his last 14 competitive international matches for Norway, netting 27 goals in the process.
- He last failed to score in a competitive game for his nation in October 2024 against Austria in the UEFA Nations League.
- Haaland is the first Norwegian player to score two goals in a playoff match at a major international tournament.
- Haaland have now scored 62 points in 54 games for Norway.
