History made! Erling Haaland's twin strike sends Norway to FIFA WC quarterfinal for first time, beat Brazil 2-1

Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium to reach their first-ever FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, ending the five-time champions’ campaign in dramatic fashion. Norway were inspired by a sensational performance from goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who saved a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimaraes and produced a series of crucial stops to frustrate Brazil throughout the match. The breakthrough arrived late after Haaland capitalised on Norway’s growing pressure, before sealing victory with a second goal in the 90th minute to silence Brazil’s late comeback hopes.

Neymar gave Brazil a lifeline deep into stoppage time, converting a penalty after a second spot-kick was awarded, but it proved only a consolation in a night of heartbreak for the South Americans. Haaland’s brace took him level with Lionel Messi on seven goals for the tournament, while Norway now advance to face either Mexico or England in Miami on July 11. Brazil, managed by Carlo Ancelotti in a bid to end a 24-year World Cup drought, suffered their earliest exit since 1990 and were eliminated by European opposition for the sixth consecutive World Cup.

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The match had started with early tension, as Patrick Berg saw an early goal disallowed for offside before Brazil won a penalty following a VAR review after Kristoffer Ajer’s challenge on Matheus Cunha. However, Bruno Guimaraes saw his effort saved brilliantly by Nyland, who guessed correctly and dived low to his left. The Norwegian goalkeeper continued to stand firm, denying efforts from Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Junior, and others as Brazil piled on pressure.

At the other end, Haaland gradually grew into the game and eventually made the difference, first powering a header past Alisson Becker after a cross from Andreas Schjelderup. As Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Nyland produced another stunning fingertip save to keep Norway ahead. Haaland then struck again from the edge of the box in the final minutes, securing a famous win.

Late drama followed when Neymar converted from the spot after a tense ending that included a confrontation involving Nyland and Casemiro. After the final whistle, Haaland described the occasion as historic. “This is just an insane day.” "It is one of the most insane days in Norwegian history."