By Stonix News Sports Desk
ERLING Haaland produced a devastating late double as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history, sending the five-time champions crashing out of the tournament.
The Manchester City marksman rose highest to power home a header in the 79th minute before calmly slotting a second in the 90th minute, capitalising on two sublime assists from substitute Andreas Schjelderup to bury Brazilian hopes of a sixth world crown.
Brazil had dominated possession and created the clearer openings in the first half, but their frustration was epitomised when Bruno Guimarães saw a 14th-minute penalty brilliantly saved by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland after a VAR review had awarded the spot-kick.
Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli and Rayan all threatened before the interval, while Martin Ødegaard and Haaland tested Alisson at the other end as the sides went in goalless at the break.
Norway emerged with renewed vigour after the restart, with Schjelderup’s introduction providing the creative spark that had been lacking. Brazil responded by introducing Neymar and Endrick, but it was the Scandinavians who struck first when Schjelderup’s inviting cross found Haaland unmarked to power a header beyond the Brazilian keeper.
The Seleção pushed desperately for an equaliser, with Casemiro firing narrowly wide and Neymar probing from set pieces, but Norway’s defence held firm. Haaland then sealed the triumph in the 90th minute when Schjelderup slipped a perfectly weighted pass into his path, allowing the City striker to finish coolly into the bottom corner.
There was one final twist deep into 12 minutes of added time when referee Ismail Elfath awarded Brazil a second penalty after Leo Østigård was adjudged to have fouled Neymar inside the area. The veteran forward, who had earlier been booked for a late challenge, stepped up in the 100th minute and converted confidently to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
But the final whistle confirmed a famous victory for Norway, with Nyland’s first-half save and Haaland’s clinical finishing proving the difference on a night when Brazil’s missed opportunities proved costly despite a spirited late rally.
The result marks Norway’s greatest World Cup achievement and sets up a quarter-final clash against the winner of Sunday’s other last-16 tie, as Haaland continues to cement his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in world football.
