Brazil’s hopes of winning a sixth World Cup came to a stunning end after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. The South Americans dominated possession for long spells but failed to make their chances count, while Norway punished them late through the clinical finishing of Erling Haaland.
Haaland broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a towering header before adding a second just 11 minutes later to put the game beyond Brazil. Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it proved only a consolation as Carlo Ancelotti’s side suffered their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Brazil had opportunities to seize control earlier in the contest, including a missed penalty by Bruno Guimarães and several fine saves by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland. Despite creating more chances, Brazil lacked the cutting edge required in the knockout stages.
For Norway, it is a historic triumph. Haaland’s brace sent the Scandinavians into the quarter-finals, where they will face England after England’s victory over Mexico.
