Norway secured a significant upset victory over Brazil in the World Cup, with star striker Erling Haaland scoring two late goals to seal a 2-1 win. The Norwegian forward's performance on Tuesday, including a decisive header and a powerful left-footed strike, proved crucial after Brazil missed an early penalty.
Brazil had an opportunity to take the lead in the 14th minute when Vinícius Júnior was awarded a penalty. However, he deferred the kick to teammate Bruno Guimarães, whom coach Carlo Ancelotti identified as the team's best available penalty taker. Norwegian goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made the save, marking Brazil's first missed World Cup penalty attempt, excluding shootouts, since 1986.
Norway capitalized on this reprieve in the closing stages of the match. In the 79th minute, Haaland opened the scoring with a header from a cross by Schjelderup. He extended Norway's lead in the 85th minute with a well-struck diagonal shot. Although Brazilian legend Neymar Jr. converted a penalty in the 100th minute, it was not enough to overcome Norway's lead.
Haaland, who had previously expressed doubts about Norway's World Cup chances, found himself proving his own predictions wrong. His brace not only secured a vital win for his team but also bolstered their confidence as the tournament progresses. "Let's be honest, to score seven goals for Norway in the World Cup is quite special," Haaland commented after the match. "I need to pinch myself sometimes in the arm, because it’s big."