Brazil stunned as Haaland's masterclass sends Norway into last eight
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- Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, towering above Arsenal defender Gabriel to head in Andreas Schjelderup's cross, then drilled a low long-range shot into the corner in the 90th minute to seal Norway's 2-1 win at MetLife Stadium.
- Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland was the other decisive figure, saving Bruno Guimaraes's first-half penalty after a stuttered run-up, denying Vinicius Jr at his near post, and back-pedalling to prevent an Ajer own goal shortly after Haaland's opener.
- Neymar came off the bench for only his second appearance of the tournament and converted a stoppage-time penalty, but it was merely a consolation as Brazil were eliminated in the Round of 16.
- Haaland's brace took him to seven goals at the tournament, pulling him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race, and extended his international scoring streak to 14 consecutive matches for Norway.
- Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, also squandered a one-on-one through Endrick shortly after he came on, compounding a string of missed opportunities that punctuated their earliest World Cup exit.
- Norway advance to face the winner of England vs Mexico in their first World Cup quarter-final in history, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville saying Haaland's performance has 'removed' any doubt about his big-stage pedigree.
Why it matters: Brazil, the five-time champions, are eliminated in the Round of 16 under Carlo Ancelotti — another early exit for the Selecao at a World Cup where they entered as one of the favourites. Norway, in their first quarter-final in history, now await England or Mexico with Haaland tied atop the Golden Boot charts at seven goals.
