​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

Brazil suffered a shock 2 to 1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Monday as Erling Haaland scored twice to send the Scandinavian nation into its first ever World Cup quarter finals. The match at MetLife Stadium saw Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland deliver a match winning performance, while Brazil's early exit marked their earliest elimination since 1990 and continued their difficult record against European opposition.

Haaland struck twice in the closing stages to seal one of the biggest upsets of the tournament before Neymar converted a late penalty deep into stoppage time. Norway will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Mexico and England in Miami Gardens.

Nyland frustrates Brazil from the opening whistle

Brazil created the better chances throughout much of the contest but found Nyland in inspired form.

Norway thought they had taken the lead inside three minutes when Patrick Berg found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside following the build up.

Brazil were awarded a penalty after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha inside the area. Referee Ismail Elfath initially waved play on before a VAR review overturned the decision.

Bruno Guimaraes stepped up but Nyland guessed correctly, diving low to his left to produce a crucial save. The miss proved costly as Brazil failed to capitalise on one of their best opportunities.

Nyland continued his outstanding display moments later. He stretched to divert Gabriel Martinelli's dangerous low cross, preventing Guimaraes from converting at the far post.

The Norwegian goalkeeper was called into action again after Martin Odegaard lost possession in his own defensive third. Vinicius Junior looked certain to score, but Nyland reacted quickly to deny the Brazilian winger with an excellent leg save.

Norway grows into the contest

Although Brazil controlled large periods of possession, Norway gradually became more dangerous.

Haaland used his physical presence to trouble Brazil's central defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos. The Manchester City striker created Norway's best first half opportunity when the ball fell kindly for Odegaard, whose shot was well saved by Alisson Becker.

At halftime, Norway coach Stale Solbakken introduced Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup in place of Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth in an effort to add fresh energy to the attack.

Brazil responded by introducing Endrick, and the teenager nearly made an immediate impact. Vinicius Junior delivered a superb outside of the foot pass that sent Endrick through on goal, but the young forward lifted his finish wide as Nyland rushed off his line.

Nyland's remarkable evening continued as he produced further saves from Rayan and Guimaraes to keep Norway level.

Haaland delivers when it matters most

The deadlock was finally broken in the closing stages through Norway's biggest star.

Schjelderup delivered an inviting cross from the left, and Haaland rose above Gabriel to head powerfully into the corner, sending Norwegian supporters into celebration.

Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but fortune also favoured Norway. Nyland produced another excellent reaction save after Ajer almost diverted the ball into his own net while attempting to clear.

Haaland then secured victory in the 90th minute. Collecting possession near the edge of the penalty area, he drove a low finish into the corner to score his second goal of the night and effectively end Brazil's hopes.

The brace moved Haaland onto seven goals for the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

Neymar scores but Brazil falls short

Neymar entered the match in the 67th minute to a huge ovation from the largely Brazilian crowd, but he was unable to inspire a comeback.

Brazil were awarded a second penalty deep into stoppage time after Casemiro was caught by an elbow inside the area. The decision sparked a heated exchange between Neymar and Nyland before the penalty was taken.

Neymar calmly converted from the spot, reducing the deficit to 2 to 1, but there was little time remaining for Brazil to find another goal.

The final whistle confirmed one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.

Brazil's disappointing campaign ends early

Brazil entered the tournament among the favourites after appointing Carlo Ancelotti in an effort to end a 24 year wait for another FIFA World Cup title.

Instead, their campaign ended in the Round of 16, marking the first time since 1990 that Brazil failed to reach at least the quarter finals.

The defeat also extended an unwanted record. Brazil has now been eliminated by European opposition in six consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, underlining a trend that has haunted the five time world champions for more than two decades.

For Norway, the victory represents a landmark achievement. The nation had never previously reached the World Cup quarter finals, making this one of the greatest results in its football history.

Led by Haaland's clinical finishing and Nyland's outstanding goalkeeping performance, Norway now heads to Miami Gardens with genuine belief that its remarkable World Cup journey can continue.