Haaland Inspires Historic Norway Victory
Norway pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by stunning five-time champions Brazil to book a historic place in the quarter-finals for the first time. Erling Haaland led the way with a brilliant brace as the Vikings ended Brazil's dream of winning a sixth World Cup title.
Brazil Miss Early Opportunity
In the starting lineup of Brazil, the major change was the inclusion of Gabriel Martinelli in the attacking midfielder role, which completely flopped in the match. Brazil was handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Matheus Cunha won a penalty, but Bruno Guimarães saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by Ørjan Nyland.
In the first half, both teams failed to create clinical chances in front of the goal; however, Brazil had the rhythm of the match in the first 45 minutes.
Tactical Changes Turn the Match
In the second half, the changes came with the introduction of Aursnes and Scheldrup to the Norway lineup instead of Ryerson and Antonio Nusa. Scheldrup consistently threatened the right side of Brazil, and Danilo failed to cope with the intensity and pace of the player. He provided two assists to Haaland, which changed the destiny of the match.
Vinicus Junior's Efforts
Vinícius Júnior repeatedly found dangerous positions, but Brazil lacked composure and movement in the penalty area to convert promising attacks into goals. Carlo Ancelotti's key substitutes, Neymar and Endrick, fail to create any solid chances for the team except for the penalty kick scored by Neymar.
Dream World Cup Campaign for Haaland
Haaland is the star of the match with two goals, and that too when the team gets limited chances in front of the goal. He scored a header to open the scoresheet and a screamer from outside of the box to seal the victory. His tournament goal tally has increased to 7 goals from 4 matches in his first-ever World Cup.
Neymar's World Cup Dream Ends
The defeat also marked a heartbreaking end to Neymar's final World Cup campaign. After battling injuries to make the tournament, the Brazilian icon managed just 30 minutes of football before his dream of lifting the trophy came to an end.
Norway will play the winners of the Mexico vs. England match in their first-ever quarterfinals in the World Cup at Miami Stadium.