Erling Haaland produced another World Cup defining performance as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 on Sunday to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the history of the men’s team.The defeat also marked the end of an era for Brazil, with: Neymar: Jr. announced his retirement from international football after the match following the five-time world champions’ shock elimination. After a quiet opening for most of the competition, Haaland came alive in the closing stages, scoring twice to send Norway into the last eight and spark celebrations across the Scandinavian nation. “Maybe it will write the history of Norway,” Haaland said. “Everyone should enjoy themselves. It was just a crazy day. It was one of the craziest days in Norwegian history. Just enjoy it, hold it tight and seize the moment.” The change came after a hydration break in the second half when Norway coach Ståle Solbakken urged his star striker to empty the tank and attack more aggressively. The message has the desired effect. Introduced at half-time, Andreas Schjelderup transformed Norway’s attack and made both goals for Haaland. The striker headed home a header in the 79th minute to put Norway ahead before adding another two minutes later with a composed finish through the legs of Danilo. The brace took Haaland’s tally to seven goals in the tournament, taking him level on: Lionel Messi Argentina and France’s Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot. “It felt like a gift from God that it actually went into the net,” Haaland said after scoring in his 14th consecutive international game. He has now scored 27 goals in this streak and 62 in just 54 appearances for Norway. While Haaland delivered at one end, veteran goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland ensured Norway remained in control at the other. The 35-year-old made one of the biggest saves of the tournament by diving low to his left to save Bruno Guimarães’ penalty in the 14th minute. He later denied Endrick with another superb stop as Brazil chased an equaliser. Nyland was eventually beaten only in stoppage time when Neymar converted a penalty, which reduced the deficit but was too late to prevent Brazil’s elimination. The result marked 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 side only reached the tournament four times and never advanced beyond the round of 16. They have also failed to qualify since 1998 before this campaign. “I think all citizens of Norway have experienced the night of a lifetime,” said Solbakken. “Some people say we changed Norway forever. Maybe, they’ll party for a week or so.” Norway will now face the winner of the Mexico vs England round-of-16 match in the quarter-finals in Miami Gardens, Florida. Solbakken revealed that more than a dozen of his friends have already arranged a trip 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 a World Cup. The decision to give him penalty duties instead of Vinícius Júnior was immediately scrutinized. Coach Carlo Ancelotti defended the choice, explaining that a year of statistical analysis identified Guimarães as the designated pick without Neymar on the field and Raphinha unavailable due to injury. Brazil also squandered other good opportunities, including a move where Casemiro failed to find Neymar with a cross that could have produced an equaliser. “We really fell for the opportunities we created,” captain Marquinhos said. “We had a penalty kick, we had other chances as well, but here is the World Cup for you. Those who make the least mistakes will be able to advance to the next round, and to be the winner.” The five-time world champions exited earlier than expected after entering the tournament among the favourites. 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 consecutive World Cup knockout matches against European opposition, a run that stretches back to their victory over Germany in the 2002 final. The absence of injured midfielder Lucas Paquetá further weakens the side. “I have peaked a few times in this tournament, but this is a new peak,” Haaland said.