Following Norway’s historic victory over five-time champions Brazil, striker Erling Haaland declares the qualification into the quarter-finals something he never dreamed of.
The Manchester City star nets two goals in the 2-1 triumph over Brazil in the last 16 at MetLife Stadium. Haaland takes his tournament tally to seven goals, leveling him with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race.
“I couldn’t quite believe it because I never dreamed of this in my life. I dreamed of playing in the World Cup with Norway and helping them qualify for the World Cup, but I never expected to beat Brazil. Let’s be honest, I thought it wasn’t possible, but I guess I was wrong,” Haaland says.
Norway maintains their remarkable unbeaten record against the five-time world champions, boasting three wins and two draws in five meetings.
The Scandinavian side now advances to face England in Miami on July 11 for a place in the semi-finals.
“It’s incredible to win,” says Haaland, 25, who scores 62 goals in 54 appearances for Norway.
“It’s a bit surreal. As a footballer, you want to play in the World Cup and perform well, but to score seven goals for Norway at the World Cup is quite special. It’s unreal, and I don’t have the words. It’s difficult to describe what I’m feeling because it all seems unreal. I need to pinch myself because this is huge.”
Haaland delivers a clinical header in the 79th minute and a decisive strike in the 90th to stun Brazil, who reply only with Neymar’s late penalty.
The victory marks Norway’s first-ever World Cup knockout stage win and sends shockwaves through the tournament as they continue their dream run.