‘Gift from God’: Erling Haaland explains the incredible goal that broke Brazilian hearts

Norwegian Erling Haaland (AP photo) Erling Haaland produced another World Cup-defining performance as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 on Sunday to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the history of the men’s team.The defeat also marked the end of an era for Brazil as Neymar Jr. announced his retirement from international football after the match following the shock elimination of the five-time world champions. After a quiet start to much of the competition, Haaland came alive in the closing stages, scoring twice to send Norway into the last 16 and spark celebrations across the Scandinavian nation. “Maybe it will write the history of Norway,” Haaland said. “Everyone just needs to enjoy themselves. This is just a crazy day. It’s one of the craziest days in Norwegian history. Just enjoy it, embrace it and enjoy the moment.” The turning point came after a second-half hydration break when Norway coach Ståle Solbakken urged his star striker to empty his tank and attack with more intensity. The message had the desired effect. At half-time, Andreas Schjelderup appeared, transforming Norway’s attack and creating both of Haaland’s goals. The forward headed home to give Norway the lead in the 79th minute before adding another just over two minutes later with an even finish through the legs of Danilo. The brace took Haaland to seven goals at the tournament, moving him level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot. “It was like a godsend that it actually went into the net,” Haaland said after scoring in his 14th straight competitive international. During this streak he scored 27 goals and 62 in just 54 games for Norway. While Haaland intervened at one end, veteran goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland ensured Norway remained in control at the other end. The 35-year-old pulled off one of the biggest saves of the tournament when he dived low to his left to keep out Bruno Guimarães’ penalty in the 14th minute. He later denied Endrick with another excellent stop as Brazil chased an equaliser. Nyland was finally beaten in stoppage time when Neymar converted a penalty to reduce the deficit, but it came too late to prevent Brazil’s elimination. The result represents one of the greatest achievements in the history of Norwegian men’s football. Although Norway’s women lifted the World Cup in 1995, the men’s team had only reached the tournament four times before and had never progressed beyond the round of 16. They have also failed to qualify since 1998 before this campaign. “I think all Norwegian citizens are experiencing the night of life,” Solbakken said. “Some people say we’ve changed Norway forever. They’ll probably party for about a week.” Norway will now face the winner of the Round of 16 between Mexico and England in the quarter-finals in Miami Gardens, Florida. Solbakken revealed that more than a dozen of his friends have already made arrangements to travel to South Florida. For Brazil, the defeat marked another painful exit from the World Cup. Guimarães became the first Brazilian player since Zico in 1986 to miss a penalty during the World Cup. The decision to give him penalty duties instead of Vinícius Júnior immediately came under scrutiny. Coach Carlo Ancelotti defended the choice, explaining that a year’s statistical analysis had identified Guimarães as the designated player, with Neymar absent and Raphinha unavailable through injury. Brazil also squandered other promising chances, including a move where Casemiro failed to find Neymar with a cross that could have produced an equaliser. “We really fell behind in the chances we created,” captain Marquinhos said. “We had a penalty kick, we had some other chances, but this is the World Cup for you. Those who make the least mistakes can go to the next round and win.” The five-time world champions went into the tournament among the favorites much earlier than expected. It also ended Brazil’s run of eight consecutive World Cup quarter-final appearances, with the Seleção failing to reach the last eight for the first time since 1990. Brazil have now lost seven World Cup knockout games in a row against European opposition, stretching back to victory over Germany in the 2002 final. The absence of injured midfielder Lucas Paquet has further weakened the side. “I’ve peaked a few times during this tournament, but this was a new peak,” Haaland said.