Brazilâs World Cup dream is over after Erling Haaland delivered a devastating late double to send Norway into the quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 win.
Erling Haaland leaves Gabriel in despair after plundering Norway’s opener(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
The match had been billed as another chapter in Haalandâs fierce rivalry with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes, and the Manchester City striker made sure he owned the night. After a tense contest packed with missed chances, VAR drama and growing Brazilian frustration, Haaland rose above Gabriel in the closing stages to power home the opening goal and change the entire mood of the game.
Haaland monstered Gabriel in the air to score his first goal(Image: AFP or licensors)
Norway had actually thought they were ahead inside the opening minutes when Patrick Berg finished smartly past Alisson, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside in the build-up. Brazil then had a huge chance to take control when Kristoffer Ajer was penalised after a VAR review for a challenge on Matheus Cunha. Bruno Guimaraes stepped up, but his stuttering penalty was tame and Orjan Nyland saved comfortably.
That miss would haunt Brazil. Carlo Ancelottiâs side pushed forward, with Vinicius Junior forcing Nyland into another important stop before half-time. After the break, teenage substitute Endrick had the kind of chance that can define knockout football, but he failed to punish Norway after being played through by Vinicius.
Haaland scored twice to sink Brazil as Norway made the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time(Image: AFP or licensors)
Then came Haaland. With around ten minutes of normal time left, he bullied his way into position, beat Gabriel in the air and headed Norway into the lead. The image of Gabriel on the turf while Haaland celebrated told the story of a personal duel that had gone decisively one way.
Brazil tried to respond, but Norwayâs belief only grew. In the 90th minute, Haaland struck again, driving a low finish into the bottom corner to put his country on the brink of one of the biggest results in their football history.
Neymar converted a late penalty in added time to give Brazil brief hope, but it was not enough. The final whistle confirmed another painful early exit for the five-time world champions and sparked massive celebrations for Norway, who reached a World Cup quarter-final for the first time.
For Haaland, this was more than just another brilliant scoring night. It was a statement on the biggest stage, against Brazil, against Gabriel, and in a match that now sets up a blockbuster quarter-final meeting with England. Norway have history. Brazil have questions. And Haaland has another World Cup moment that belongs entirely to him.
