Haaland fires Norway past Brazil as England survive Mexico to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the Norway Brazil World Cup last-16 tie on Sunday. Earlier, 10-man England overcame co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic encounter at the Azteca Stadium. The results set up a quarter-final between Norway and England on July 11 in Miami.

How did Norway beat Brazil?

Norway beat Brazil 2-1 after goalkeeper Orjan Nyland saved a first-half penalty and made a string of key stops. Haaland then scored twice in the final 11 minutes, heading in a cross before adding a low finish from the edge of the area. Neymar scored a stoppage-time penalty for Brazil, but it only served as a consolation.

What happened between Norway and Brazil?

Norway produced one of the tournament's biggest shocks by eliminating five-time champions Brazil, with Nyland delivering a standout performance at MetLife Stadium. Patrick Berg had an early effort ruled out for offside before Brazil won a penalty. Referee Ismail Elfath's initial decision was overturned by VAR after Kristoffer Ajer's challenge on Matheus Cunha, but Bruno Guimaraes' tame spot-kick was pushed away by Nyland.

Norway withstood sustained pressure for long periods, with Nyland denying Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Junior and Guimaraes as Brazil dominated possession. Norway finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when substitute Andreas Schjelderup crossed from the left and Haaland rose above Gabriel Magalhaes to head home. The Manchester City striker doubled the lead in the 90th minute with a low finish from the edge of the box.

Neymar converted a second penalty deep into stoppage time after an elbow on Casemiro, following a brief clash with Nyland, but the goal came too late to change the result. It marked the final act of Neymar's international career, which ended after 16 years and 80 goals for Brazil without a World Cup title. The forward left the pitch in tears after the final whistle.

"This is just an insane day," Haaland said. "It is one of the most insane days in Norwegian history." The defeat extended Brazil's poor recent World Cup record, marking a sixth straight elimination by European opposition despite Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as coach. Haaland's brace also drew him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe on seven tournament goals.

How did England beat Mexico?

England beat Mexico 3-2 despite playing more than half the match with 10 men. Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane added a penalty to put England 3-1 ahead before Jarell Quansah was sent off. Mexico pulled back to 3-2 through Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, but England held on for the win.

Kickoff was delayed by an hour because of thunderstorms, and Mexico started brightly, forcing Jordan Pickford into a save from Raul Jimenez's diving header. It was Pickford's 17th World Cup appearance, equalling Peter Shilton's record for England men. England took control midway through the first half as Bellingham headed in Bukayo Saka's cross before scoring again two minutes later from Kane's pass.

Mexico responded before halftime when Julian Quinones volleyed home from a scramble following a free-kick. England's task grew harder in the 54th minute when Quansah was sent off after a VAR review for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, becoming only the fourth England player shown a red card at a World Cup.

What happened after England's red card?

England restored their two-goal lead despite being down to 10 men when Anthony Gordon was fouled by goalkeeper Raul Rangel and Kane converted the penalty just after the hour. Kane later gave away a penalty of his own while clearing the ball, allowing Jimenez to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finish. Mexico dominated possession in the closing stages, but England defended resolutely to reach the quarter-finals.

"It was a crazy game," Kane said. "We had to fight. We had to find something. The occasion, the team, everything against us. We found a way." England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his players' resilience, saying they never lost belief when the pressure mounted. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre pointed to defensive mistakes but praised his team's commitment.

When is the Norway vs England quarter-final?

Norway will face England in the World Cup quarter-finals on July 11 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The winner will advance to the semi-finals, with Haaland's in-form Norway side standing between Tuchel's England and a place in the final four.