Erling Haaland dumped Brazil out of the World Cup as his brilliant double late in their last-16 tie 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.
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.
More to follow…
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