Norway reaches World Cup quarterfinals after beating Brazil

Norway has advanced to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in its history after a dramatic 2-1 victory over five-time champion Brazil. The round of 16 match, played on July 5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, was decided by two late goals from striker Erling Haaland. The historic win has ignited nationwide celebrations in Norway and set up a quarterfinal clash with England on Saturday, July 11, in Miami.

Brazil took early control and was awarded a penalty in the 13th minute, but the spot kick from Bruno Guimarães was saved by Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland. After a scoreless first half, Haaland broke the deadlock with a powerful header in the 79th minute and sealed the victory with a low shot from outside the box in the 90th minute. A stoppage-time penalty from Neymar provided only a consolation for Brazil, which was eliminated before the quarterfinals for the first time since 1990.

The result has captivated Norway, a nation of 5.5 million that last qualified for the World Cup in 1998. Following the win, tens of thousands of fans, joined by Crown Prince Haakon, gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo for a mass celebration featuring the "Viking Row," a...