Norway, who had never progressed beyond the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup, stood tall through sustained Brazilian pressure before striking twice in the closing stages through its star Erling Haaland. Neymar’s stoppage-time penalty reduced the deficit, but it came too late to prevent Brazil’s exit.
Norway made a bright start and thought they had taken the lead early when Patrick Berg found the net after being set up by Alexander Sorloth, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Brazil were then handed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock after Kristoffer Ajer was adjudged to have fouled Matheus Cunha inside the penalty area following a VAR review. However, Bruno Guimaraes failed to convert from the spot, with Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland producing a comfortable save.
Nyland and Haaland star in a historic win for Norway
Carlo Ancelotti’s side continued to dominate possession and create chances. Gabriel Martinelli was denied by an excellent Nyland save after a powerful run down the left, while Vinicius Junior also failed to beat the inspired Norwegian goalkeeper after Martin Odegaard’s misplaced pass gifted Brazil possession in a dangerous area.
At the other end, Odegaard forced Alisson Becker into action late in the first half as the teams went into the break level despite an entertaining contest.
In the second half, Ancelotti introduced teenage forward Endrick just before the hour mark. The substitute almost made an immediate impact after racing onto Vinicius Junior’s through ball, but he fired wide.
On the other end, Schjelderup’s dangerous deliveries repeatedly tested the Brazilian defence before star striker Erling Haaland finally provided the breakthrough in the 79th minute.
As Brazil searched desperately for an equaliser, Norway struck again. Haaland calmly collected the ball inside the area before drilling a composed left-footed finish beyond Alisson to double the lead and move level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe on seven goals in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Brazil earned a penalty deep into stoppage time after Leo Ostigard was penalised for a foul on Casemiro, and Neymar converted from the spot, but it served only as a consolation.
(With ANI inputs)
