Haaland's brace sends Norway past Brazil into World Cup quarters

Erling Haaland described a "strange feeling" after scoring two goals to help Norway defeat Brazil 2-1 and reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. The Manchester City striker admitted he sometimes has to pinch himself to believe the reality of the achievement.

"I don't often run out of words, but right now I'm speechless," Haaland said in the mixed zone at MetLife Stadium. He found it hard to believe he could reach such a high level of personal accomplishment but proved to himself that it is possible.

"It was a strange feeling to beat Brazil like that. It took me a while to believe it, but we did it and it's totally incredible, honestly," added the forward, who now has seven goals in the 2026 World Cup, tying him with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé at the top of the scoring charts.

Haaland also emphasized his team's development, noting their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. "We are changing as a football country. We are truly one of the best teams in Europe and the world because what we have done is incredible," he stated. "I never dreamed of something like this in my whole life. I did dream of playing in a World Cup with Norway and qualifying the team, but I never imagined we would beat Brazil, let's be honest. I thought it was impossible to achieve something like this. I guess I was wrong," Haaland concluded.