Haaland calls victory over Brazil 'unreal' as Norway reaches World Cup quarters for first time

Erling Haaland described his emotions as "unreal" after leading Norway to a stunning 2-1 upset victory over Brazil, securing their first-ever place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. The Manchester City striker's brace against the five-time champions left him in disbelief.

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Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe this is real because it's something very big. I'm struggling to believe that I could reach this level in terms of achievements, but I've shown myself that it's possible. Beating Brazil like this was a strange feeling. It took me a while to process it, but we did it and it's incredible.

"Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe this is real because it's something very big," Haaland said after the match. "I'm struggling to believe that I could reach this level in terms of achievements, but I've shown myself that it's possible. Beating Brazil like this was a strange feeling. It took me a while to process it, but we did it and it's incredible."

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Being honest, scoring seven goals with Norway in a World Cup is something very special. It's hard to express what I feel because it all seems unreal.

Haaland, who now leads the tournament's scoring chart with seven goals, shared his pride in his individual performance and the team's collective journey. "Being honest, scoring seven goals with Norway in a World Cup is something very special. It's hard to express what I feel because it all seems unreal," he stated. He praised his team's development under coach Ståle Solbakken, asserting, "We are changing as a footballing nation. Over time we have gained confidence. We are one of the best teams in Europe and the world, because what we have done is incredible. It has been 28 years to achieve something like this."

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We are changing as a footballing nation. Over time we have gained confidence. We are one of the best teams in Europe and the world, because what we have done is incredible. It has been 28 years to achieve something like this.

Reflecting on Norway's return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, Haaland, who was not born during their last appearance, expressed his pride. "I'm 25 years old, so you can't blame me for that. I'm proud of my country and everyone involved in this," he commented. He admitted that while he dreamed of playing in a World Cup with Norway, beating Brazil was beyond his wildest expectations: "I thought it was impossible. I guess I was wrong."

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I'm 25 years old, so you can't blame me for that. I'm proud of my country and everyone involved in this.