EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J : Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-times champions Brazil 2-1 on Sunday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
Neymar’s penalty deep into stoppage time proved only a consolation for Brazil, who missed an earlier spot kick through Bruno Guimaraes as they exited before the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.
With Brazil’s supporters dominating the crowd in sweltering conditions, Norway absorbed sustained pressure before Haaland broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, powering home a header from Andreas Schjelderup’s cross.
The Manchester City striker struck again 11 minutes later, drilling a powerful effort from outside the penalty area after another assist from Schjelderup to put the result beyond doubt.
“I said to the boys today that I don’t think it’s 50-50, but we have a fair chance if we play at our best and have match winners, and we had that,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said.
Brazil had the chance to take an early lead after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha in the penalty area in the 13th minute, but goalkeeper Orjan Nyland dived to his left to save Guimaraes’s penalty.
Solbakken’s halftime decision to introduce Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb transformed Norway’s attack, with Schjelderup providing both assists for Haaland.
“I peaked a couple of times in this tournament, but every now and then I get a new peak,” Haaland said.
“If I get a chance or two, it usually turns into a goal. I don’t know how I do it, but that’s how I am. It’s about being focused.”
Neymar converted a penalty 10 minutes into added time, but Brazil’s late goal could not prevent a shock elimination.
The defeat ended Brazil’s World Cup campaign and extended their wait for a sixth title, with their last triumph coming in 2002.
Haaland’s seventh goal of the tournament drew him level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Norway will face either Mexico or England in the quarter-finals.
