Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: Norway knocked five-time world champions Brazil out of the World Cup by beating them 2-1 in the last 16. The European team eliminated Brazil from the tournament with a 2-1 win thanks to Erling Haaland's brace. Both teams had scoring chances in the first half, but neither team was able to capitalize on them. A Norwegian goal was ruled out for offside early in the match. On the other hand, Brazil failed to score a goal despite being awarded a penalty in the 15th minute. Norway goalkeeper Orian Niland skillfully saved Bruno Guimaraes' spot kick. That moment later became a major turning point in the match. Even after the break, Brazil could not find much rhythm in the match. Vinicius Junior attacked several times, but in the end, no goal was scored. Coach Carlo Ancelotti could not restore momentum in the attack despite bringing on substitutes Andrik and later Neymar. On the other hand, Norway patiently waited for an opportunity. They came close to a goal from Haaland's chance in the 75th minute.
Then came the desired success in the 79th minute. Haaland jumped high inside the box and beat Alisson with a powerful header after a great cross from Andreas Schelderup. Although he did not get much of the ball throughout the match, this goal machine from Norway showed his breed in one opportunity. After conceding a goal, Brazil tried to equalize. Vinicius' corner in the 83rd minute also did not help.
In the 86th minute, luck almost went in Brazil's favor. The ball was deflected by one of the opponents and was heading towards the goal. But with great presence of mind and speed, Niland returned and pushed the ball against the post. That extraordinary save kept Norway's lead intact. Just as Brazil was desperately trying to equalize, another nightmare was added. Haaland got another chance in the 89th minute on a fast counterattack. This time he made no mistake. He scored his second goal to give Norway a 2-0 lead and practically decided the fate of the match. However, Brazil had a last chance to get back into the match in added time. The referee awarded a penalty with the help of VAR for elbowing Casemiro inside the box. Neymar scored from that opportunity in the 100th minute. He beat Norway goalkeeper Orian Niland with a slow run-up. Although there was controversy over the penalty decision. Even though Neymar's goal made the difference 2-1, Brazil could not equalize in the last minute. Norway advanced to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory as soon as the final whistle blew. On the other hand, five-time world champions Brazil had to leave at the last 16 barrier.
With these two goals, Haaland's goal tally in the current World Cup reached seven. As a result, he also rose to the top of the list of top scorers. On the other hand, goalkeeper Orian Niland was also one of the heroes of Norway's victory. In addition to saving Brazil's penalty, he wasted several clear-cut goal opportunities throughout the match.
Overall, Norway defeated Brazil with disciplined defense, excellent goalkeeping and Haaland's perfect finishing to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. And Brazil, considered one of the title contenders, had to leave at the last sixteen barrier.