Erling Haaland scored a second half brace to send Brazil out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the round of 16 stage.
The Manchester City striker and Norway talisman punished the sloppy Brazilians who missed a first half penalty as Norway continued their unbeaten record against the South Americans.
Haaland has now scored in 14 consecutive matches for Norway, as Brazil suffered its sixth consecutive World Cup knockout defeat at the hands of a European nation.
Brazil had the upper hand in the early exchanges and were awarded a penalty for a foul on Mattheus Cunha, but Bruno Guimaraes’ penalty was saved by Orjan Nyland, who also stopped a Vinicius Jr. shot to ensure both teams went into the break level.
Endrik then fluffed his lines when sent through on goal early in the second half, the substitute’s shot went just wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Haaland, a peripheral figure, failed to reach two crosses before bursting to life in the closing stages. The 25-year-old powered a header to hand Norway the lead on 79 minutes for 1-0, then arrowed a low shot from just outside the area into the far bottom corner on 90 minutes to seal Brazil’s fate with his seventh World Cup strike that brings him level with both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe on the top scorers’ chart.
Neymar Jr. converted a penalty deep into added time for a consolation to the wasteful five-time World champions.
Haaland’s heroics guide Norway to a first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance where they’ll face either the winner of Mexico and England’s round of 16 clash.
Credit: Daily Trust
