Erling Haaland described Norway’s win over Brazil as “one of the most insane days in Norwegian history” after scoring twice to send his country into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
The Manchester City striker struck twice in the final 11 minutes at MetLife Stadium as Norway came from behind to beatthe Selecao 2-1.
“Maybe this will write history in Norway,” Haaland said after the match.
“Everyone just need to enjoy themselves. This is just an insane day. It’s one of the most insane days in Norwegian history. Just enjoy it, embrace it and enjoy the moment.”
Haaland opened the scoring in the 79th minute from an Andreas Schjelderup cross before adding a second with a powerful low finish in the closing stages.
Although Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, it proved too late to save Brazil from a shock exit.
The brace moved Haaland level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe on seven goals in the race for the Golden Boot, while extending his international scoring streak to 14 matches.
Solbakken praises Norway’s historic achievement
Norway coach Stale Solbakken believes the win could have a lasting impact on football in the country.
“I think that all Norwegian citizens are experiencing the night of a lifetime,” he said.
“Some people say that we have changed Norway forever. Probably, they will party for a week or so.”
The result ends decades of frustration for Norway, who had previously lost both of their World Cup last-16 appearances in 1938 and 1998.
Solbakken was also rewarded for a pair of half-time substitutions, with Schjelderup providing assists for both of Haaland’s goals after being introduced during the interval.
“During the game, you have to take the calls and decisions that you feel are appropriate,” Solbakken said.
“It’s a gut feeling that Oscar [Bobb] and Andreas might make a difference, and I felt more secure with them on the pitch the way I wanted us to play the second half, and then you saw what happened.”
Brazil punished as Nyland shines
Brazil’s elimination represents their earliest World Cup exit since 1990 and ends a remarkable run of reaching at least the quarter-finals at every tournament from 1994 onwards.
The five-time world champions had opportunities to take control of the match but were left to rue a series of missed chances.
Bruno Guimaraes failed to convert a first-half penalty after goalkeeper Orjan Nyland produced an excellent save, while several other openings went begging as Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled to make their dominance count.
Nyland, Norway’s oldest player at 35, delivered a standout performance, denying Guimaraes from the spot before producing another crucial stop from Endrick late in the game.
After the final whistle, Norway’s players and supporters celebrated, with Haaland leading the festivities in front of the travelling fans.
“I’ve peaked a couple of times during this tournament,” Haaland said.
“But this was a new peak.”
Norway will now face either England or Mexico in the quarter-finals.
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