Brazil 1 - 2 Norway

Neymar(pen 90'+10) | Haaland (79’, 90’)

Erling Haaland scored twice to continue Norway’s excellent World Cup, qualifying for the Quarter Finals for the first time ever, at the expense of five time champions Brazil, who looked a shadow of their former selves. 

Haaland now sits joint top of the Golden Boot race with Mbappe and Messi and will now face England striker Harry Kane, who is a goal behind, in the Quarter Finals.

With the way the game started, Brazil looked like they might have an opportunity to get an early goal as Kristoffer Ajer felled Matheus Cunha in the box. A VAR review determined it was a penalty. But Bruno Guimaeres couldn’t hit the back of the net, as Nyland made an excellent save down low to his left. 

Further stops from Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius Jr efforts kept Norway in the game, but not many of Brazil’s chances looked truly clear cut. 

In the second half, in an attempt to inject some vibrancy into a game that was being played at walking pace, Endrick was brought on for Brazil and the substitution almost paid off immediately. He raced clear thanks to a brilliant Vinicius Jr through ball, but took a terrible touch to lose full control of the ball, and his lashed toe poke ended up not being good enough. 

As Brazil continued to look ponderous, Norway seized the initiative, with Andreas Schjelderup crossing a delightful ball to Haaland to head home. 

And as the time ticked away, Haaland struck again with a shot through a defender’s legs and past the keeper. 

Brazil did get a consolation goal, with Neymar being awarded a penalty, but it was academic and Norway went through to the QFs for the first time ever. 

Brazil leave the World Cup at their earliest juncture since 1990, and questions will be asked as to why Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t get a tune out of this side, and whether a complete refresh and realignment of ambition is required back in Brazil. They’ll have a short plane ride home to think about it. 

Norway will play England in the Quarter Finals.