Norway Eliminates Brazil 2-1 as England Beats Mexico 3-2, Set for Quaterfinals

                                                                  

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Brazil’s quests to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and add a sixth star to their shirts ended last night with Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland, scored  two late goals against the South Americans o book their quarter final berth ever.

The defeat condemned the Samba men to their earliest exit from the World Cup  since 1990 edition hosted by Italy. The late stoppage time consolation goal scored by Neymar made no difference as the Vikings and their fans erupted in their traditional Scandinavian celebrations inside the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Credit for the victory must also go to Norway goalkeeper Orlan Nyland who produced a sensational display and saved a first-half penalty by Newcastle United player Bruno Guimaraes before Haaland struck twice in the last 11 minutes.

The brace scored by Haaland last night took his tally to now level on seven goals with leading mask men, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

Norway are to play against either co-hosts Mexico or England in the quarter final game in Miami on July 11.

The last time Brazil failed to reach at least the quarter-finals was 36 years ago, when they lost 1-0 to arch-rivals Argentina in the last 16.

Carlo Ancelotti in his bid to end Brazil’s 24-year World Cup drought, only added Arsenal man Gabriel Martinelli as replacement for injured Lucas Paqueta. He maintained his squad that began the group stage campaign. But the Norwegians proved a tough customer last night.

From the blast of the whistler they effectively took charge of the game, dominating every department. They were mostly boosted by the return of Julian Ryerson, the Borussia Dortmund defender fit again after missing the past two games with a thigh injury.

Patrick Berg thought he had given Norway the lead inside three minutes, but his effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up.

After a rocky start, Brazil won a penalty when Kristoffer Ajer’s sliding tackle  caught Matheus Cunha’s ankle inside the box.

The Brazilians were left furious as referee Ismail Elfath initially waved away their appeals, but VAR intervened and the decision was overturned.

However, goalkeeper Nyland guessed correctly Guimaraes’ kick, diving low to his left to push away the Newcastle midfielder’s tame penalty.

Nyland again came to Norway’s rescue, getting a crucial touch to Martinelli’s low drive as it flashed across goal, denying Guimaraes a simple tap-in.

When Martin Odegaard lost possession on the edge of his own box, Nyland once more saved Norway as he stuck out a leg to thwart Vinicius Junior.

Haaland had struggled to make a significant impact, but his strength created a glorious opening for Norway before half-time.

The striker caused problems for Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos in the Brazil defence before the ball broke kindly for Odegaard, whose effort was well saved by Alisson Becker in goal for the Samba men.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken brought on Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup at the break for Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth, but it was the introduction of Endrick that almost changed the game immediately.

It proved vital when Neymar converted a penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time, preceded by an unseemly spat with ‘keeper Nyland, following an elbow on Casemiro.

It was the sixth time that Brazil was knocked out of the tournament by European opposition.

Elsewhere, Jude Bellingham’s double inflicted a rare defeat on Mexico at their Estadio Azteca as 10-man England won a nerve-racking World Cup classic 3-2 to reach the quarter-finals.

Harry Kane also scored from the penalty spot as the Three Lions overcame Jarell Quansah’s red card, high altitude and a fervent home support on Sunday to keep their quest for a first major tournament win in 60 years alive.

RESULTS 

Brazil 1-2 Norway

Mexico 2-3 England 

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