KUCHING: Brazil’s pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup is over. Neymar’s final dance ended with one last goal, but no final miracle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, United States.
Erling Haaland produced the performance that may come to define this tournament, scoring twice late on as Norway stunned the five-time champions 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
The breakthrough came in the 80th minute when Andreas Schjelderup’s cross finally gave Haaland the service he had been waiting for. The Manchester City striker rose above Gabriel and powered his header beyond Alisson.
Haaland struck again in the 89th minute, turning Norway’s belief into history and taking his tally to seven goals against Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in his first World Cup campaign.
Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 100th minute, giving Brazil one last flicker of hope. It was not enough to save the Seleção, but it gave his World Cup story a final goal in yellow.
Brazil were supposed to be Norway’s biggest test. Instead, they became Norway’s biggest statement.
After sending the five-time world champions home, Stale Solbakken’s side march into the quarter-finals with momentum, belief and the tournament’s most ruthless finisher leading the charge.
As one era fades, another gathers pace. Haaland has become the face of Norway’s historic run, and after dismantling Brazil on the biggest stage, the Vikings head into the quarter-finals believing their greatest World Cup voyage has yet to be written.
