Norway has advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, thanks to a stellar performance from Erling Haaland, who scored twice in the final 11 minutes. His remarkable contributions sent Brazil home, further fueling Norway’s impressive journey in the tournament.
This victory stands as a significant achievement for coach Ståle Solbakken and the squad he has meticulously crafted over the last five years. During the first half, Norway aimed to assert control over Brazil but struggled to convert their possession into significant threats. A tactical adjustment at halftime allowed Norway to exploit counterattacks, ultimately catching Brazil off guard.
Haaland proved to be a decisive force, finding the net twice from just four attempts during the match. The opening goal materialized with only 11 minutes remaining, when a cross from substitute Andreas Schjelderup was met by Haaland’s powerful header, soaring above Gabriel Magalhães and past goalkeeper Alisson. In stoppage time, Haaland capitalized on space at the edge of the box to slot home a low pass from Schjelderup, celebrating with a beaming smile as his teammates and the Norwegian fans erupted in joy.
The match unfolded as an engaging contest, with Norway entering after their first World Cup knockout victory, while Brazil was still looking to find their rhythm. Coach Carlo Ancelotti made a strategic change by starting Gabriel Martinelli in place of the injured Lucas Paquetá, positioning the Arsenal winger centrally with freedom to roam.
In the early minutes, Norway almost took the lead when they found the net within three minutes. A swift pass from the halfway line reached Martin Ødegaard, who expertly created space 15 yards from the box. As Julian Ryerson made a run down the wing, Ødegaard delayed before delivering a precise ball to Ryerson, who squared it for Patrick Berg to finish. However, the goal was ruled offside.
Brazil also benefitted from a VAR decision shortly after. A quick counter led to Bruno Guimarães setting up Martinelli, who found Matheus Cunha. As Cunha went down after a challenge from Kristoffer Ajer, referee Ismail Elfath initially awarded no penalty, but VAR prompted a review, leading to a penalty kick.
Despite hopes for Vinícius Júnior to take the penalty, Guimarães stepped up. Known for usually allowing Anthony Gordon to take spot-kicks at Newcastle, Guimarães chose a stuttering run-up. However, goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland guessed correctly, diving left to deny the attempt, eliciting cheers from Norwegian fans.
These crucial moments could have shifted the match’s momentum, but as neither side found the net, the first half settled into a rhythm of Norwegian possession countered by Brazilian breaks. Both teams had further opportunities, with Vinícius and Martinelli testing Nyland, while Ødegaard’s attempt in added time was thwarted by Alisson. Throughout, Haaland remained somewhat isolated.
At halftime, Solbakken made bold changes, substituting both wingers for Oscar Bobb and Schjelderup. This shift allowed Brazil to seize more possession early in the second half. Just ten minutes in, Ancelotti responded by introducing Endrick for Cunha, who nearly scored immediately but failed to control a pass from Vinícius, sending a shot wide.
As Brazil grew into the game, Norway capitalized on counterattacks. Alisson had to make crucial saves from two dangerous crosses, and Haaland nearly converted after outmuscling Brazil’s defenders. With Neymar entering the match late, hopes surged for a Brazilian revival. Neymar did score a penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time, but it was too late to change the outcome, as Haaland had already sealed the victory.
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