Haaland brace stuns Brazil, sends Norway to quarters
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- Erling Haaland scored both goals in Norway's 2-1 World Cup round-of-16 upset of Brazil at MetLife Stadium, moving level with Messi and Mbappé on seven Golden Boot goals.
- Norway had never won a World Cup knockout game before — their first World Cup since 1998 — and extended their unbeaten run against the five-time champions to five matches while controlling two-thirds of possession.
- Haaland called the result "the greatest game" in Norwegian history and said he was patient through a "frustrating afternoon" before a header opener and a second strike he called "absolutely crazy."
- Coach Ståle Solbakken called it "the greatest night in Norwegian football history" as Haaland led an on-pitch Norwegian rowing celebration, banging a drum in front of supporters.
- The quarterfinal will be played in Miami against the winner of Sunday's Mexico vs. England tie, with Solbakken saying he had no preference between the two.
Why it matters: Norway reaches the World Cup quarterfinals for what coach Ståle Solbakken called the greatest night in their football history — their first knockout win ever and first tournament appearance since 1998. Haaland's brace pulled him level with Messi and Mbappé at seven Golden Boot goals, giving the Manchester City striker a share of the scoring lead with at least one more match guaranteed.
