NEW JERSEY – Norway reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a memorable 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16, powered by a second-half brace from Erling Haaland and a series of outstanding saves from goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
Played at New York New Jersey Stadium, the penultimate venue of the tournament before the 19 July final, the contest remained scoreless through the opening hour despite Brazil creating the better opportunities.
Patrick Berg threatened early for Norway before Brazil were awarded a penalty after a VAR review judged Kristoffer Ajer to have fouled Matheus Cunha. Bruno Guimaraes took the spot kick after Vinicius Junior handed him the ball, but Nyland produced a fine save.
The experienced Norwegian goalkeeper continued his impressive display, denying Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Junior, Rayan and Bruno Guimaraes to keep Brazil at bay.
Norway broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when substitute Andreas Schjelderup delivered a pinpoint cross following a slick passing move, allowing Haaland to power a downward header beyond Alisson. The striker doubled the advantage just before the end of normal time, squeezing a shot through Danilo’s legs and past the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, but Brazil could not find another goal as their tournament ended with their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Haaland’s sixth and seventh goals of the tournament moved him level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the race for the adidas Golden Boot.
Norway will face England in the quarter-finals on 11 July in Miami.
