Erling Haaland admitted Norway’s stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 was beyond anything he had ever imagined.
The Manchester City striker scored both goals as Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, taking his tournament tally to seven goals—level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race.
“I dreamed of playing in the World Cup with Norway and helping them qualify, but I never expected to beat Brazil. I honestly thought it wasn’t possible.”
The victory also extended Norway’s remarkable unbeaten record against the five-time world champions to three wins and two draws in five meetings.
Haaland, who now has 62 international goals in just 54 appearances, described the achievement as surreal.
“It’s incredible to win. To score seven goals for Norway at a World Cup is something really special. It’s unreal—I don’t have the words. I need to pinch myself because this is huge.”
Norway will now face either Mexico or England in the quarter-finals on 11 July, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
table performance going down as one of the tournament’s defining displays.
