Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. The Manchester City striker needed only four touches inside the box, breaking the deadlock in the 79th minute with a header past Gabriel before adding a low drive from outside the area 11 minutes later. The victory marks Norway's first World Cup knockout win since 1998 and sets up a quarter-final against England, who edged Mexico 3-2.

Haaland now sits atop the Golden Boot standings with seven goals in four matches, level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. His international record stands at 62 goals in 54 appearances — a goal every 71 minutes — with only six penalties. He has scored in 14 consecutive competitive games for Norway, netting 27 times in that span. Against Brazil he managed just 30 touches and an xG of 0.39, yet former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock noted his 14-touches-per-goal average "tells you everything about him."

Norway's run has ignited national belief. Manager Stale Solbakken said the "whole nation is rowing together," referencing the Viking Row celebration that has become the tournament's signature image. For England, Haaland presents a unique threat: a striker who requires minimal service to change matches. Wayne Rooney, who promised to row the River Mersey if Norway advanced, now faces that obligation as the Three Lions prepare for a striker operating at what he calls a "new peak."