Erling Haaland scores twice in the final stages, Nyland saves a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimarães, and Norway eliminates Brazil to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time ever.
Brazil’s World Cup is over. Norway’s dream is bigger than ever.
In one of the biggest results of the Round of 16, Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 and reached the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in its history. For Carlo Ancelotti and the Seleção, it is a brutal elimination and Brazil’s worst World Cup finish since 1990.
The difference, once again, was Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City striker decided the match with a devastating late brace, first overpowering Gabriel with a header in the 79th minute and then finishing with a clinical left-footed strike in the 89th. Neymar’s stoppage-time penalty gave Brazil a final spark of hope, but it arrived too late to change the outcome.
Norway started with courage and even thought it had taken the lead early, when Berg finished from a Sørloth assist, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Brazil then had a huge chance to go in front after Cunha was brought down in the box. The referee initially waved play on, but after a VAR review, the penalty was awarded.
Bruno Guimarães stepped up — and Nyland won the duel.
The Norwegian goalkeeper guessed right and denied the Brazilian midfielder, producing the first major turning point of the night. Nyland then added another important save on Vinícius Jr., while Alisson kept Brazil alive at the other end by denying Martin Ødegaard.
Brazil had chances, but not enough clarity. Vinícius flashed in moments, Rayan brought energy, and Cunha caused problems before being replaced. But the Seleção never truly took control of the match. Ancelotti turned to Endrick early in the second half, and the young striker immediately found himself with a golden opportunity, only to send his effort wide.
Norway, meanwhile, changed the game from the bench. Ståle Solbakken made two halftime substitutions, introducing Bobb and Schjelderup, and the latter became decisive. In the 79th minute, Schjelderup delivered the cross that allowed Haaland to climb above Gabriel and power Norway into the lead.
Ten minutes later, Haaland struck again. This time, the finish was pure killer instinct: a sharp, angled left-footed shot that left Alisson with no chance.
Neymar converted from the penalty spot in the 100th minute, but Brazil had run out of time and ideas. For Ancelotti, the disappointment is enormous. For Brazil, the early exit will trigger deep questions about a team that had talent, experience and attacking options, but failed to find a reliable identity when the tournament demanded it most.
For Norway, this is history. Nyland was decisive, Ødegaard controlled the tempo with class, Schjelderup changed the game, and Haaland delivered the goals that every great World Cup run needs.
Brazil leaves stunned. Norway moves on, with the best World Cup result in its history — and with Haaland looking ready to drag a nation even further.
Match Report
Goals: 79’ Haaland, 89’ Haaland, 90+10’ pen. Neymar
Brazil 4-2-3-1: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimarães (79’ Ederson), Casemiro; Rayan (67’ Danilo Santos), Martinelli (67’ Neymar), Vinícius Jr.; Cunha (58’ Endrick).
Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Norway 4-3-3: Nyland; Ryerson (63’ Aursnes), Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe (90+5’ Østigård); Berg, Berge, Ødegaard; Sørloth (46’ Bobb), Haaland, Nusa (46’ Schjelderup).
Head coach: Ståle Solbakken
Referee: Elfath
Yellow cards: Neymar
Red cards: None
Notes: 14’ Nyland saved a penalty from Bruno Guimarães.
