EAST RUTHERFORD, July 6 — Erling Haaland struck twice late on as Norway stunned record five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the World Cup round of 16 early this morning, sending the Scandinavian side into the quarter-finals for the first time.
Neymar's penalty deep into stoppage time proved little consolation for Brazil, who saw Bruno Guimaraes miss an early spot-kick as they failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.
With their fans vastly outnumbered and playing in sweltering conditions, Norway shut out the noise and the heat before Haaland used every bit of his 6-foot-5-inch frame to head home the opener in the 79th minute. He then sealed victory with a powerful strike from distance.
"I said to the boys today that I don't think it's 50-50, but we have a fair chance if we play at our best and have match winners, and we had that," Norway coach Stale Solbakken said.
Brazil's players were left devastated by the humbling defeat.
"It's inexplicable," defender Marquinhos said. "We have to take responsibility for this so that future generations can build on it."
'A new peak' from Haaland
Brazil's supporters, clad in yellow, dominated the stands as they hoped to witness another impressive performance from a side that had gone 11 World Cup matches unbeaten in the US.
Instead, they watched in disbelief as Haaland's side condemned Brazil to their longest World Cup title drought in tournament history, with their last triumph coming in 2002.
Brazil started brightly after Kristoffer Ajer conceded an early penalty by bringing down Matheus Cunha in the 13th minute.
However, confusion spread among the Brazilian fans when Guimaraes, rather than Vinicius Jr, stepped up to take the penalty. Their disbelief turned to frustration as Orjan Nyland dived to his left to make the save.
Solbakken made a decisive tactical change at half-time, introducing Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb in place of both wingers, a move that provided Haaland with the support he needed to make the difference.
The Manchester City striker towered above Brazil's defenders to head home Schjelderup's pinpoint cross for the opening goal.
Eleven minutes later, Schjelderup again turned provider as Haaland, despite looking fatigued, unleashed an unstoppable strike from outside the penalty area while Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti watched grim-faced from the dugout.
"I peaked a couple of times in this tournament, but every now and then I get a new peak," Haaland said. "If I get a chance or two, it usually turns into a goal. I don't know how I do it, but that's how I am. It's about being focused."
Neymar converted a penalty 10 minutes into added time, but it did little to alter the mood as the Brazilian great openly wept after what was his final World Cup appearance.
Haaland, who has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive matches and moved level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi on seven goals in the Golden Boot race, led Norway's celebrations by beating a drum as the team's fans performed their famous Viking clap while Brazil supporters streamed out of the stadium.
Norway will face either Mexico or England in the quarter-finals.
