The Norwegian Vikings defeated the five-time world champion, Brazil, with a Erling Haaland double and advanced to the quarterfinals, where they await the winner of the duel between Mexico and England.
Haaland scored at minutes 79 and 90. La Verdeamarela scored from the penalty spot through Neymar Jr.
Ståle Solbakken, Norway coach, stated that this has been “the most important day in the history of Norwegian football” after the victory against Brazil.
“Our goalkeeper (Ørjan Nyland) made saves and, obviously, we had Erling (Haaland),” he added.
The Norwegian striker did not have a notable participation during most of the game, but in the final minutes he showed why he is one of the best scorers in the world.
With his double, Haaland adds, so far, seven goals in the 2026 World Cup.
After the match against Brazil, the dispute over the Golden Boot intensified between the Argentine Lionel Messi, the Frenchman Kylian Mbappé and Haaland, who are equal in scoring, although Messi still has one less game.
Behind them appear the English Harry Kane, with five goalsand the also French Ousmane Dembélé, with four.
Haaland’s goals are distributed as follows:
- Double against Iraq
- Double against Senegal
- He did not play in the third day of the group stage against France
- A goal against Ivory Coast in the round of 32
- Double against Brazil in the round of 16
“He has been very active in long balls. The truth is that we have been in our best version in many phases of the game. We have to give our best version and, if we do, we can beat anyone,” said the Norway coach.
Norway’s victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey also meant Neymar’s farewelltop scorer of the Brazilian team, from Canarinha, after the defeat against Norway.