Norway shock Brazil as Haaland shines and Neymar bids farewell

Norway Brazil Haaland Neymar

Norway gave one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by beating Brazil 2-1 to qualify for the first time in the nation’s history to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

It also ended Brazil’s campaign early, their earliest since 1990.

Brazil took several chances to take control of the game, one of which was a penalty in the opening half, but Orjan Nyland made an outstanding save.

Bruno Guimaraes took the shot for the Brazil team.

Despite being under pressure throughout the match, Nyland made a number of key saves for Norway to keep the game even.

Norway would come through in the dying moments with a goal, after a goalless first half.

Read more: Haaland fires Norway into World Cup knockout stage

Erling Haaland found the net in the 79th minute before adding a second goal in the final minutes with a low shot from outside the penalty area.

His two goals guaranteed a great win for Norway and made him the joint tournament leading scorer with Lionel Messi.

Brazil could only score in stoppage time when Neymar was given a penalty after a foul inside the box.

Following the defeat, Neymar announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 16-year career with Brazil.

“Now it’s over, I tried. That’s where it began at MetLife Stadium and that’s where it ended” said Neymar following the match.

The 34-year-old is Brazil’s top scorer (80) in 129 appearances. He made his debut in 4 World Cups for his country and in the Rio 2016 Olympics, he helped Brazil win its first Olympic football gold.

The winner of the Mexico v England game in the World Cup will meet with Norway in quarter-final on July 11.

Also read: Haaland leads Norway into World Cup knockouts