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Haaland’s Late Double Bundles Brazil Out of World Cup – THISAGE
Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 on Sunday to secure a historic place in the quarter-finals.
The victory at East Rutherford marks the first time Norway have reached the last eight of a FIFA World Cup and extends their impressive unbeaten run against Brazil to four competitive meetings.
Brazil dominated possession for much of the contest but were repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined Norwegian defence and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
The Seleção were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when they won a first-half penalty, but Bruno Guimarães was denied from the spot by Nyland, whose save proved a defining moment in the match.
Neymar and Vinícius Júnior continued to search for openings, but Norway remained compact at the back, with Leo Østigård and Birger Meling leading a resilient defensive display while waiting patiently for opportunities on the counterattack.
The breakthrough finally arrived late in the game when Andreas Schjelderup surged down the left flank before delivering an inviting cross for Haaland, who rose above Gabriel to head powerfully beyond Alisson and hand Norway a priceless lead.
The goal was Haaland’s sixth of the tournament and extended his remarkable scoring streak to 14 consecutive competitive matches for club and country.
Brazil responded with urgency and came within inches of drawing level. Nyland produced another outstanding save to push a looping effort onto the post before Casemiro fired the rebound narrowly wide with the goal at his mercy.
The missed chances proved costly as Haaland struck again moments later, finishing clinically to double Norway’s advantage and leave the five-time world champions facing an early exit.
Neymar converted a late penalty to reduce the deficit in the closing moments, but Brazil were unable to mount a dramatic comeback as Norway held on to complete one of the tournament’s most memorable victories.
The result ends Brazil’s consistent run of reaching at least the quarter-finals at each of the last eight FIFA World Cups and represents a major disappointment for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Norway, meanwhile, continues its dream campaign and will face either England or Mexico in the quarter-finals as they chase an unprecedented place in the final four.
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