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Haaland fires Norway past Brazil into World Cup quarter-finals
Erling Haaland struck twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 to book their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, condemning the five-time champions to their earliest tournament exit since 1990.
After surviving sustained Brazilian pressure for much of the contest, Stale Solbakken's side delivered a ruthless late display, with Haaland's brace and a heroic performance from goalkeeper Orjan Nyland sending Norway into the last eight for the first time in their history.
Norway will now face either England or Mexico in the quarter-finals.
Brazil dominated the opening exchanges and were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when VAR awarded a penalty for Kristoffer Ajer's challenge on Matheus Cunha. Bruno Guimaraes stepped up, but Nyland guessed correctly to produce a superb save and keep the scores level.
The Norwegian goalkeeper continued to frustrate the Selecao, denying Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Junior and Guimaraes with a string of outstanding stops as Carlo Ancelotti's side struggled to find a breakthrough.
Norway gradually grew into the contest and came close before the break when Martin Odegaard's effort was well saved after good work from Haaland inside the penalty area.
The decisive moment finally arrived 11 minutes from time. Andreas Schjelderup delivered an inviting cross from the left and Haaland rose highest to power a header beyond Alisson and give Norway a priceless lead.
As Brazil committed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, Norway struck again on the counter. Haaland collected the ball on the edge of the area before driving a low finish into the bottom corner to seemingly put the tie beyond doubt.
Brazil were handed a second penalty deep into stoppage time after Casemiro was fouled inside the area. Neymar converted from the spot to reduce the deficit, but there was no time for a late comeback as Norway completed one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Haaland's double took his tally to seven goals at the World Cup, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, while Norway's memorable victory ended Brazil's hopes of a sixth world title and secured a historic place in the quarter-finals.
































