Erling Haaland scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to secure a 2-1 victory over Brazil, sending Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. The Manchester City striker netted his sixth and seventh goals of the tournament, heading home a cross from substitute Andreas Schjelderup in the 81st minute and then converting a low pass from the same player in the 92nd minute. Brazil pulled one back through a Neymar penalty in the 99th minute, but it was too late to prevent Norway's historic progression.
First-half struggles and tactical changes
Norway started aggressively but struggled to break down Brazil in the first half. A goal from Patrick Berg in the third minute was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, and Brazil were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute when Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha. However, Bruno Guimarães saw his weak spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Ørjan Håskjold Nyland. Both sides had chances before the break, with Vinícius Júnior and Gabriel Martinelli drawing saves from Nyland, while Martin Ødegaard forced a stop from Alisson.
Second-half substitutions swing the match
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken made a double substitution at half-time, bringing on Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb for the wingers. The change paid off as Norway began to create more chances on the counter-attack. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti replaced Cunha with Endrick, but the teenager missed a clear chance soon after coming on. As Brazil pushed for a winner, they left space at the back, and Haaland capitalized with two clinical finishes. According to Solbakken, the substitutions were designed to increase attacking threat, and they worked perfectly.
Haaland's remarkable form continues
Haaland's double took his tally to 30 goals in his last 17 competitive appearances for Norway. He now has seven goals in the tournament, making him the top scorer. His performance was praised by teammates and fans, with the striker simply smiling after his second goal as Norwegian supporters celebrated behind the goal. Brazil, meanwhile, exit the World Cup in the last 16 for the second consecutive edition, signaling the end of an era for their veteran stars.
