Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: An Erling Haaland brace and a brilliant penalty saved by Orjan Nyland helped Norway overcome five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New Jersey on early Monday morning.
The two goals improved Haaland’s tally to seven and moved him level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Haaland scored in the 79th and 90th minute of the match, while Neymar scored for Brazil from the spot in the 100th minute.
Brazil had a golden opportunity to open the scoring just before the quarter hour. Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha inside the box and Brazil were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. However, Nyland saved Bruno Guimaraes’ low shot by diving to the left.
Nyland also denied Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius Junior as the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, substitute Endrick had an opportunity to take the lead for Brazil. Although he collected Vinicius’ shot just outside the box, his first heavy first meant he shot wide.
The Vikings also saved fine attempts by Rayan and Bruno Guimaraes before taking the lead.
Substitute Andreas Schjelderup and produced a perfect cross for Haaland who smashed a downward header past Brazil goalie Alisson.
The Norwegian No. 9 then scored his and Norway’s second right at the end of regulation time as he unleashed a long shot past a stretched Alisson.
As the match appeared headed for a 2-0 win for Norway, Brazil were awarded a penalty which Neymar converted.
Norway will meet the winner of the match between England and Mexico in the quarterfinal.
