Norway has advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in its history, following a 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil. The decisive goals came from Erling Haaland, who scored twice late in the second half, earning him the Player of the Match award. This historic win has been celebrated enthusiastically back home, with thousands taking to the streets of Oslo.
The match, held at New Jersey Stadium in New York, saw an early disallowed goal for Norway by Bodø/Glimt midfielder Patrick Berg in the fourth minute due to offside. Brazil also missed a penalty later in the first half, taken by Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. The game was played in front of 80,663 spectators.
Haaland’s Decisive Contributions
Haaland’s impact was most keenly felt in the latter stages of the game. His first goal came in the 79th minute when he met a cross from Andreas Schjelderup, getting ahead of Arsenal centre-back Gabriel to put Norway in the lead. He then secured Norway’s progress with a low strike from outside the box as full-time approached.
These two goals brought Haaland’s tally for the tournament to seven goals, placing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot. He has now scored seven goals in four World Cup matches and a total of 62 goals in 54 matches for his country. Haaland has also scored in each of his last 14 competitive encounters for Norway, netting 27 times during this period.
Brazil managed a consolation goal in stoppage time, with Neymar converting a penalty after a foul on Casemiro. However, this came too late to alter the outcome of the match. Brazil’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged the team’s disappointment and the need to integrate a new generation of players into the Seleção.
Historic Victory and Celebrations
This victory marks Norway’s first appearance at the World Cup since 1998 and their first-ever win in a World Cup knockout game. Coach Ståle Solbakken described it as “the greatest day in Norwegian football history,” while Haaland called it “one of the sickest days ever.” The win sparked widespread celebrations in Oslo, with fans gathering spontaneously, including at the royal palace where they were greeted by Crown Prince Haakon.
The match saw a key tactical change at half-time by Solbakken, who made a double substitution involving his wingers. This decision, which he described as instinctive, aimed to increase possession in dangerous areas and proved to be effective. Benfica’s Schjelderup, who came on as a substitute, played a crucial role in setting up Haaland’s first goal.
Brazil’s missed penalty by Bruno Guimaraes in the first half was saved by Norway’s goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who had a notable performance, making several saves. This was Brazil’s first missed penalty in a World Cup game since 1986. Despite Brazil’s efforts and a second penalty scored by Neymar in the 100th minute, Norway maintained their lead.
Norway now prepares to face England in the quarter-finals on Saturday 11 July at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens. The England squad includes fellow Blues players Elliot Anderson, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly, and James Trafford.
Source: mancity.com