New Delhi, 06 July (H.S.): Norway created history by defeating five-time world champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, thanks to two late goals from star striker Erling Haaland. The historic victory sent Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

In Sunday's match at MetLife Stadium, Brazil dominated possession for long periods and created several scoring opportunities. However, Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland delivered an outstanding performance, repeatedly denying the Brazilian attack.

Norway thought they had taken an early lead through Patrick Berg, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Brazil was later awarded a penalty following a VAR review, but Bruno Guimarães failed to convert as Nyland comfortably saved the effort.

Brazil also created promising chances through Gabriel Martinelli, Vinícius Júnior and substitute Endrick, but none of them managed to find the back of the net.

Norway struck decisively in the closing stages of the second half. In the 79th minute, Erling Haaland headed home from a pinpoint cross by Andreas Schjelderup to give Norway a 1-0 lead.

As Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Haaland once again showcased his class. Controlling the ball brilliantly inside the penalty area, he fired a powerful left-footed shot into the net to double Norway's advantage. It was his seventh goal of the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

Brazil was awarded another penalty deep into injury time, and Neymar converted from the spot to reduce the deficit. However, the goal came too late to change the outcome as Norway secured a famous 2-1 victory.

The result also extended Norway's unbeaten run against Brazil to five consecutive matches. Norway will now face either Mexico or England in the quarter-finals.

For Brazil, the defeat marked a disappointing end to their campaign and their seventh consecutive knockout-stage loss to European opposition in FIFA World Cup competition.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar