Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet lauded Erling Haaland and goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, crediting them as key figures in Norway's historic 2-1 victory over five-time world champions Brazil. The win secured Norway's first-ever World Cup quarterfinal berth, a result that sent shockwaves through Brazilian football as they were eliminated in the round of 16.

Erling Haaland (left) and Andreas Schjelderup celebrate Norway's winning goal to make it 2-0 against Brazil in their 2-1 victory in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, on 5/7. *AP*

Haaland, the 25-year-old forward, was described as "an unbelievable player" by the newspaper. Despite being quiet in the first half, he exploded with a crucial brace in the second half to become Norway's hero. His two goals brought his tally to seven in his first World Cup, placing him alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race. Based on tie-breakers, Mbappe leads, followed by Messi, then Haaland.

Nyland, 35, also received a perfect score for his heroics. He saved a Bruno Guimaraes penalty in the first half and subsequently denied multiple attempts from Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli, Rayan, Endrick, and Bruno Guimaraes. The Norwegian daily lauded him as a "living wall", noting that conceding only a Neymar penalty in injury time was a "minor detail". Nyland is currently a free agent, having not renewed his contract with Sevilla last season.

After a challenging first half, coach Stale Solbakken's decision to bring on Andreas Schjelderup proved pivotal. In the 79th minute, Schjelderup delivered a precise cross from the left for Haaland to head past Alisson, opening the scoring for Norway. Schjelderup continued to assist, setting up Haaland's second goal in the 90th minute with a low shot into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area, extending the lead to 2-0. Schjelderup earned an 8 rating, just behind Haaland and Nyland.

Haaland's opening goal marked him as the eighth European player to score in his first four World Cup matches, a feat not achieved since Italy's Christian Vieri in 1998. This also extended his scoring streak to 14 consecutive official international matches for Norway, having scored 25 goals in the previous 13 games.

The victory at MetLife Stadium marks a new chapter for Norway, as they reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time. The Nordic team also maintained their unbeaten record against Brazil across five encounters, with three wins and two draws. Notably, both of Norway's World Cup victories over Brazil, in 1998 and 2026, ended with the same 2-1 scoreline.

Erling Haaland (9) heads in the opening goal for Norway in their 2-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, on 5/7. *AP*

Brazil generated 2,73 expected goals, but Carlo Ancelotti's side struggled to penetrate Norway's defense in open play. Norway, with only 0,84 expected goals, efficiently converted their limited chances to secure the win.

Pundits lauded Haaland's performance. Former defender Gary Neville remarked on ITV that Haaland "has dispelled all doubts about his ability to shine on the big stage". Roy Keane added that "no one could stop him", despite Brazil's good moments. Ian Wright emphasized that Haaland "does not need many touches" to be decisive, stating, "As long as the team stays in the game, he can always decide the outcome".

Conversely, BBC's South American football expert Tim Vickery labeled Brazil's defeat a "complete disaster". He criticized coach Ancelotti's decision to introduce an unfit Neymar, which he believed unbalanced the squad and created the space for Norway's two decisive goals.

By Hoang An