Haaland’s late double sends Norway past Brazil and into last eight

Erling Haaland scored two late goals as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the World Cup last 16, knocking out the record five-time champions and reaching the quarterfinals for the first time. The result put Norway into new territory and lifted Haaland level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, according to Al Jazeera.

Norway’s win came at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 5, Al Jazeera reported. Haaland, 25, had seen little of the ball for much of the match before Norway coach Stale Solbakken spoke with him during the second-half hydration break and urged him to use what energy he had left.

Haaland responded in the 79th minute, heading in the opening goal, then scored again before full time. The Manchester City striker said after the match that it was “one of the most insane days in Norwegian history.”

The goals continued a remarkable run for Norway’s leading scorer. Al Jazeera, citing AP and Reuters, reported that Haaland now has 62 goals in 54 international appearances, a rate of 1.15 per game, and 27 goals across his past 14 matches for Norway.

Nyland praised after historic win

Although Haaland was named man of the match, he directed much of the credit to Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland. Haaland told reporters that Nyland was his pick for the award because his saves kept Norway from going home.

“He’s the reason why we’re going to be playing the quarterfinal for the first time in our history – much respect to him,” Haaland said, according to Al Jazeera.

Haaland also said scoring twice against Brazil was something he would value for the rest of his life, but he stressed that the goals belonged to the wider group: teammates, coaches, supporters and children in Norway who could now believe more was possible. He said the night would be remembered in Norwegian homes for generations.

The win also marked the end of Neymar’s Brazil career, with Al Jazeera reporting that the defeat was followed by Neymar’s international retirement.

Golden Boot race tightens

Haaland’s double took him to seven goals at the tournament, matching Mbappe and Messi, according to Al Jazeera. The run has added another layer to a World Cup that began with heavy focus on Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mbappe.

Haaland said he had reached several new highs during the tournament, only for another to follow. He told reporters that if he gets one or two chances, they usually become goals, adding that his focus is on being ready when those openings arrive.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the match that Haaland’s greatest danger is his timing rather than only his strength or speed. Ancelotti said Haaland can spend long stretches waiting, then punish a defender’s brief lapse in concentration.

“You can defend perfectly against him for 89 minutes, but football is decided by moments,” Ancelotti said, according to Al Jazeera.

Norway next face England on Saturday. England reached the quarterfinals by beating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 at Estadio Azteca, Al Jazeera reported.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.