Erling Haaland scored a late double to send Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history, beating Brazil 2-1 at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The victory sparked immediate celebrations back home, with tens of thousands taking to the streets of Oslo in the early hours, including an impromptu gathering at the royal palace where fans were greeted by Crown Prince Haakon, who was wearing a Norway scarf.
Ståle Solbakken, Norway's coach, called it “the greatest day in Norwegian football history”. Haaland, who had earlier suffered a fitness concern, said: “It’s one of the sickest days ever in Norwegian history. You just have to enjoy it, because this is sick.” Solbakken added: “I think all Norwegian citizens are experiencing the night of a lifetime. They will probably party for a week or so.”
“Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 to reach World Cup quarter-finals for first time.”
Brazil had taken the lead deep into added time through a Neymar penalty, after Bruno Guimarães had a first-half spot-kick saved. A half-time double substitution by Solbakken, who said switching his wingers was “a chess game”, proved decisive. “You have to follow your gut feeling,” he said. “It could go both ways.”
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s manager for just over a year, now faces a post-tournament inquisition, while Neymar appeared to announce his international retirement in the aftermath.
Norway now prepare for a quarter-final against England, but were dealt an injury worry from the match. Solbakken remained bullish: “Erling was our match-winner but I’m happy that everyone played their game on the greatest night in Norwegian football history. Everyone played their part.”