Norway striker, Erling Haaland, admitted he never imagined his country would eliminate Brazil after scoring twice in a dramatic 2-1 victory that sent the Scandinavians into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 25-year-old produced both goals in Sunday’s last-16 clash, inspiring Norway to a famous triumph over the five-time champions and securing the nation’s first-ever place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The brace also lifted Haaland’s tally at the tournament to seven goals, drawing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
“I couldn’t quite believe it because I never dreamed of this in my life.
“I dreamed of playing in the World Cup with Norway and helping them qualify for the World Cup, but I never expected to beat Brazil. Let’s be honest, I thought it wasn’t possible, but I guess I was wrong,” Haaland said.
The victory extended Norway’s impressive unbeaten record against Brazil to five matches, with three wins and two draws between the two nations.
Norway will now face England in Miami on July 11, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
For Brazil, the defeat marked their earliest World Cup exit since they were eliminated by Argentina in the Round of 16 at the 1990 tournament.
“It’s incredible to win,” said Haaland, 25, who has now scored 62 goals in 54 appearances for Norway.
“It’s a bit surreal. As a footballer, you want to play in the World Cup and perform well, but to score seven goals for Norway at the World Cup is quite special.
“It’s unreal, and I don’t have the words. It’s difficult to describe what I’m feeling because it all seems unreal. I need to pinch myself because this is huge.”
