Norway Stuns Brazil with Haaland Heroics
Erling Haaland delivered a decisive double in the closing minutes to lift Norway to a 2‑1 win over Brazil, securing the nation’s first ever appearance in a World Cup quarter‑final. The match, played in New Jersey, began with a missed first‑half penalty by Brazil’s Bruno Guimaraes, a mistake that proved costly.
Haaland, who had been largely contained by the Brazilian defence, found his rhythm in the 79th minute. He met a precise cross from Andreas Schjelderup and finished coolly past Gabriel to break the deadlock. The Manchester City forward then sealed the victory in stoppage time, drilling a low shot from outside the box beyond Alisson to make it 2‑0.
Brazil pulled a goal back deep into added time after referee Ismail Elfath awarded a second penalty for a challenge by Leo Ostigard on Casemiro. Neymar converted, but the effort came too late as Norway held on for a historic win. The brace took Haaland’s tournament tally to seven goals, level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
England Survives Mexico Scare to Set Up Norway Clash
In the other last‑16 encounter, England edged past co‑hosts Mexico 3‑2 at the Azteca Stadium. Kick‑off was delayed by an hour due to severe storms, but the Three Lions quickly asserted control.
Jude Bellingham struck twice within 98 seconds to give England an early lead, although Julian Quinones pulled one back before halftime. The second half took a dramatic turn when Jarell Quansah was shown a red card for a high tackle on Jesus Gallardo, leaving England to play with ten men.
Harry Kane restored England’s two‑goal cushion from the spot after Anthony Gordon was fouled by goalkeeper Raul Rangel. Mexico refused to yield; Kane later conceded a penalty after a challenge on Brian Gutierrez, allowing Raul Jiménez to score and set up a tense finale.
Manager Thomas Tuchel responded by introducing Dan Burn and Djed Spence, shifting to a five‑man defence. England held firm through 11 minutes of added time to clinch the victory and book a quarter‑final showdown with Norway.
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