Match Report: Brazil 1-2 Norway

Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned Brazil with a 2-1 victory to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland was the hero for much of the match, producing a string of outstanding saves, including a first-half penalty stop from Bruno Guimarães, before Haaland’s late double sent the five-time world champions crashing out at MetLife Stadium.

Neymar scored from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it came too late to prevent Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

Haaland’s two goals took his tournament tally to seven, drawing level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé as the competition’s joint top scorer. Norway will now face England in the quarter-finals on 11 July in Miami.

Despite appointing Carlo Ancelotti in an effort to end their long wait for another world title, Brazil have now been eliminated by European opposition in six consecutive World Cups. The last time they failed to reach the quarter-finals at a World Cup was back in 1990, when they were beaten 1-0 by Argentina in the Round of 16.

Gabriel Martinelli kept his place in the starting line-up after scoring the winner against Japan in the Round of 32, replacing the injured Lucas Paquetá. Norway were boosted by the return of Julian Ryerson after the defender recovered from a thigh injury.

Norway thought they had made the perfect start when Patrick Berg found the net inside three minutes, but the goal was ruled out for an Alexander Sørloth offside in the build-up.

Brazil were awarded a penalty after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha in the box. Referee Ismail Elfath initially waved play on before overturning his decision following a VAR review.

Bruno Guimarães stepped up, but Nyland guessed correctly and made an excellent save to keep the scores level.

The Norway goalkeeper continued to frustrate Brazil, first denying Gabriel Martinelli’s dangerous effort before producing another fine save to stop Vinícius Júnior after Martin Ødegaard lost possession close to his own penalty area.

At the other end, Haaland almost created the opening goal before half-time. After holding off Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos, the striker set up Ødegaard, whose shot was well saved by Alisson Becker.

Norway made two game-changing substitutions at half-time, bringing on Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup. Brazil responded by introducing Endrick, who was immediately presented with a chance by Vinícius Júnior but lifted his effort wide as Nyland rushed off his line.

Nyland continued his outstanding performance by saving Rayan’s powerful strike before denying Guimarães once again, although the offside flag was raised.

Neymar came on for Gabriel Martinelli in the 67th minute to a huge reception from the Brazil supporters, but it was Norway who finally broke the deadlock.

Schjelderup delivered an excellent cross from the left and Haaland rose highest to power a header into the corner and give Norway the lead.

As Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Nyland produced another brilliant save to prevent an own goal from Kristoffer Ajer.

Haaland then sealed the victory in the 90th minute with a powerful low strike from the edge of the penalty area to make it 2-0.

Brazil pulled one back in the 10th minute of stoppage time when Neymar converted a penalty after Casemiro was fouled inside the box, but Norway held on to complete one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and book their place in the quarter-finals.

Shortly after the final whistle, Neymar announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on one of the country’s greatest careers. The 34-year-old leaves as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most influential players in the nation’s history.