EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY / EuroWire / – Norway reached the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time after beating Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 on Sunday. Erling Haaland scored twice late at New York New Jersey Stadium. Brazil, the five-time champion, exited before the last eight for the first time since 1990.
Brazil had the first major opening after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha in the area in the 13th minute. Bruno Guimarães took the penalty, but Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland dived left to save it. The stop kept the match level and gave Norway a base in a tense first half.
Norway also threatened early when Patrick Berg put the ball in the net inside three minutes. The effort did not stand because of an offside in the buildup. Brazil then carried more of the attacking play, but Nyland made further saves before the break and again after halftime.
Haaland delivers late goals
Haaland broke the scoreless match in the 79th minute. Andreas Schjelderup crossed from the left, and the Norway striker rose to head the ball past Alisson Becker. The goal gave Norway a lead after Brazil had spent long spells looking for the opener.
Haaland scored again in the 90th minute to put Norway 2-0 ahead. Schjelderup supplied the ball once more, and Haaland finished with a low right-footed shot. The two goals lifted his FIFA World Cup total to seven in the tournament.
Brazil exits in last 16
Neymar cut the deficit deep into stoppage time from Brazil’s second penalty of the match. The goal came in the 100th minute and left little time for Brazil to extend the game. The final whistle confirmed Norway’s place in the last eight and ended Brazil’s campaign.
Norway now moves on to a quarterfinal against England in Miami on July 11. England reached the same stage with a 3-2 win over Mexico. The result keeps Norway in the FIFA World Cup after its first appearance in the quarterfinal round.