Erling Haaland cements superstar status, scores twice in Norway’s 2-1 win over Brazil

World CupErling Haaland cements superstar status, scores twice in Norway’s 2-1 win over BrazilHaaland delivered both goals as Norway defeated five-time champion Brazil on Sunday and advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in the country’s history.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Erling Haaland of Norway celebrating with teammates after scoring his team's second goal against Brazil in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday. Al Bello / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJuly 5, 2026, 9:25 PM EDTBy Tim RohanEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — For much of Sunday afternoon, Norway’s 6-foot-5 superstar Erling Haaland stalked the field, biding his time against Brazil, waiting for his moment to strike. He stood about a half-foot taller than most of the Brazilians. But they swarmed and bottled him until the 79th minute, when Haaland’s chance came in an instant. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup chipped the ball toward the goal from the left side, and Haaland leapt, swung his neck, and headed the ball into the net, out-jumping Brazil’s 6-foot-3 defender Gabriel Magalhães, his Premier League nemesis.During the celebration, Haaland played it cool, looking into the crowd with a sly smile. Schjelderup jumped on his back and the rest of Norway began to mob him. Once the excitement died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck, and kissed his cheek.That moment said it all: Norway wouldn’t be here without Haaland, who ended up scoring twice on Sunday to lead his country to a 2-1 win over five-time champion Brazil and secure a berth into the World Cup quarterfinals, the furthest Norway has ever advanced in the tournament.Haaland celebrating a goal against Brazil in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday.Image Photo Agency / Getty Images“I’m lost for words. We’re all lost for words,” Schjelderup said. “I thin...