NEW JERSEY, July 6: Norway produced one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history by defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time ever.
After withstanding relentless Brazilian pressure for much of the match at New Jersey Stadium, Norway found their hero in Erling Haaland, who struck twice late in the second half to shatter Brazil’s hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title.
Norway thought they had taken an early lead in the fourth minute when Patrick Berg found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside following the referee’s decision.
Brazil missed a golden opportunity to go ahead in the 10th minute after being awarded a penalty through a VAR review. Bruno Guimarães stepped up but saw his effort brilliantly saved by Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, who delivered a match-winning performance between the posts.
The South Americans dominated possession and created several chances throughout the first half, with Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli both testing Norway’s defence, but neither side managed to break the deadlock before the interval.
Brazil continued to press after the restart. Substitute Endrick squandered a clear one-on-one opportunity shortly after coming on, while Ryan and Guimarães were also denied by the inspired Nyland.
Carlo Ancelotti introduced Neymar in the 67th minute in search of a breakthrough, but it was Norway who struck first.
Haaland headed home in the 79th minute to silence the Brazilian supporters before unleashing a powerful long-range strike 10 minutes later to double Norway’s advantage.
Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty to reduce the deficit, but Brazil could not find an equaliser as Norway secured a famous 2-1 victory.
The result sends Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history, while Brazil’s quest for a long-awaited sixth world title comes to another disappointing end.
