They'll need a bigger longship: Haaland's Norway sends Brazil home

Norway has etched its name in World Cup history, securing a place in the quarterfinals for the first time after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brazil. The win, powered by a late brace from star striker Erling Haaland, sent the five-time champions packing and marked Brazil's earliest exit from the tournament since 1990.

The match, held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, saw Norway dominate the first half, creating chances and even having a goal disallowed for offside. However, the turning point came when Brazil was awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Bruno Guimarães stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, denying Brazil a crucial lead.

Despite Brazil seeing more of the ball in the second half, it was Norway that found the breakthrough. Erling Haaland, who had been a constant threat, scored his sixth and seventh goals of the tournament in the final eleven minutes. He first headed home a cross in the 79th minute and then sealed the victory with a powerful strike in added time, both assisted by substitute Andreas Schjelderup.

Brazil managed to pull one back through a Neymar penalty in stoppage time, but it was too late to salvage their World Cup dreams. Norwegian coach Ståle Solbakken had previously described his team's chances as "very slim" against the footballing giants, while captain Martin Ødegaard acknowledged the privilege of playing with "the best striker in the world." The Norwegian team's historic achievement caps five years of work under Solbakken's leadership.