Haaland Double Sends Norway Past Brazil Into World Cup Quarterfinals

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland scored two goals late Sunday as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 at New York/New Jersey Stadium, knocking the five-time champions out of the World Cup.

Haaland headed in a cross from Andreas Schjelderup in the 79th minute, then finished from the edge of the area in the 90th to put Norway 2-0 ahead. Neymar converted a penalty in the 100th, which came too late to save Brazil.

Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland saved a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimarães to keep the Round of 16 match scoreless at the break.

Norway will face England or Mexico in the quarterfinals.

Brazil came into the tournament looking for a sixth World Cup title, but history was already not on their side. They’d never beaten Norway. The four previous matches saw Norway draw twice and win twice, including a 2-1 win at the 1998 World Cup.

Before kickoff, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Raphinha had recovered from a hamstring injury and could come off the bench. Lucas Paquetá was ruled out with a hamstring strain.

“Play the match, not the circumstances.” — Norway coach Stale Solbakken

Norway coach Stale Solbakken, whose side is captained by Martin Ødegaard, had urged his players to “play the match, not the circumstances.”