Norway and England have booked their places in the World Cup quarterfinals after dramatic victories over Brazil and Mexico, respectively. The results mark a significant moment for European football, with both teams advancing to the last eight.
Norway's Historic Triumph Over Brazil
Erling Haaland, largely quiet for much of the match, erupted with two goals in the final 11 minutes to give Norway a 2-1 win over Brazil. The Manchester City striker headed home a cross from Andreas Schjelderup in the 79th minute and added a second in stoppage time, sending the Scandinavian nation into the quarterfinals for the first time in its history.
Haaland's performance came after a halftime conversation with coach Ståle Solbakken, who urged him to expend all his energy. “Maybe this will write history in Norway,” Haaland said. “Everyone just need to enjoy themselves. This is just an insane day. It’s one of the most insane days in Norwegian history.”
Norway's victory was built on a crucial penalty save by goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland in the 14th minute, denying Bruno Guimarães. Nyland also made a late stop against Endrick as Norway clung to its lead. Brazil's only goal came from Neymar on a penalty deep in stoppage time, a result that changed only the final scoreline. Neymar, 34, confirmed after the match that it was his last appearance for the national team.
For Norway, this win ranks among the greatest in the country's men's football history. The women's team won the World Cup in 1995, but the men had not qualified since 1998 and had never advanced beyond the round of 16. “I think that all Norwegian citizens are experiencing the night of a lifetime,” Solbakken said. “Some people say that we have changed Norway forever. Probably, they will party for a week or so.”
Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, exits the tournament having underachieved expectations. The team's streak of quarterfinal appearances ended at eight, its earliest exit since 1990.
England Survives Azteca Test
England will face Norway in the quarterfinals after a 3-2 victory over co-host Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham was the star, scoring two goals 98 seconds apart in the first half. Harry Kane converted a penalty in the second half, despite England playing with 10 men after Jarell Quansah's red card in the 54th minute.
Mexico fought back with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, the latter from a penalty conceded by Kane. The striker became the first player since at least 1966 to both score and concede a penalty in a World Cup match. Mexico pressed relentlessly in the final stages, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and England's defense held firm.
Kane's goal was his sixth of the tournament, placing him one behind Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race. England's win at the Azteca, where Mexico had been unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches, was a statement of resilience.
Norway and England now prepare for a quarterfinal clash that promises to be a highlight of the tournament. The match will test both teams' mettle as they vie for a place in the semifinals.
