“Let’s be honest, to score seven goals for Norway in the World Cup is quite special,” says Haaland. “I need to pinch myself sometimes in the arm, because it’s big.”
Brazil, which exits the World Cup before a quarterfinal for the first time since 1900, had a chance to score first, on a penalty in the 14th minute. Brazilian superstar Vinícius Júnior, of Real Madrid, held the ball at the penalty spot. But one of the world’s elite scorers handed it to Bruno Guimarães. After the match, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said the data indicated Guimarães was Brazil’s best available penalty shooter. Norwegian keeper Orjan Nyland dove to his left to stop Guimarães’ attempt, Brazil’s first unsuccessful World Cup penalty shot, not including shootouts, since 1986.
Haaland and Norway pounced late. In the 79th minute Haaland lurked in the box, and on a cross from Schjelderup, positioned his Viking frame in front of a Brazil defender, as he’s inclined to do: Haaland’s explosive header bounced into the net to give Norway a 1-0 lead. In the 85th minute, Nyland saved a potential disastrous own-goal with his left fingertip, and a few minutes later Haaland struck again: this time, he set the ball and swung with his left foot, sending a diagonal shot past Brazil keeper Allison for a key insurance goal. Neymar Jr., the Brazilian legend likely playing in his final World Cup, scored on a penalty in the 100th minute. But by then, time had run out on Brazil. A Viking Row would again commence.
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