Haaland’s double sinks Brazil as Norway reach World Cup quarter-finals

Erling Braut Haaland scored twice as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 at the World Cup in Neymar’s farewell international match. The Manchester City striker needed just 11 minutes to open the scoring, levelling the Golden Boot race with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, who each have seven goals. Norway manager Stale Solbakken left Haaland on the bench for the final group-stage game against France, but his impact against Brazil was decisive. Brazil’s elimination marked their seventh consecutive knockout defeat to European opposition at the World Cup. Ørjan Nyland made crucial saves to preserve the win, including a penalty saved from Bruno Guimaraes in the first half. Neymar scored a late consolation from the spot after coming off the bench, but it was too little too late for the Selecao. The result sent Norway to their first-ever World Cup quarter-final, where they will face England. Haaland’s performance reinforced his status as the leading contender for the Golden Boot, with all three top scorers now tied on seven goals. England progressed past Mexico 2-1 at the Azteca Stadium in another high-scoring knockout clash. Jude Bellingham scored a first-half brace, including a header from Bukayo Saka’s cross and a tap-in from Harry Kane’s pass, before Mexico pulled one back through Julian Quinones in the 42nd minute.

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England’s task grew tougher when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a reckless tackle on Jesus Gallardo, but Kane restored their two-goal lead from the penalty spot. Raul Jimenez pulled a goal back for Mexico in the 69th minute, though England held firm to advance. Portugal and Spain will meet in a high-stakes quarter-final clash in Arlington after both sides secured comfortable knockout wins. Portugal defeated Croatia in a penalty shoot-out, while Spain overwhelmed Austria 3-0 at SoFi Stadium, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice. Spain’s victory marked their first knockout game without conceding a shot on target since Germany in 2014. The win extended La Furia Roja’s unbeaten run at major tournaments to 11 matches, setting up a blockbuster clash with Portugal.

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Portugal, meanwhile, are chasing their first consecutive knockout wins at the World Cup since 2006. Their victory over Croatia was their first in 12 competitive meetings against Spain, underscoring the difficulty of the task ahead. The quarter-final line-up now features four European sides: Norway, England, Portugal, and Spain. The stage is set for a blockbuster weekend of World Cup knockout football.