Photo caption: Norway’s forward #09 Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Brazil and Norway at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 5, 2026. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP)
Norway striker, Erling Haaland, said his side’s 2-1 victory over Brazil in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday was something he had “never dreamed of.”
Haaland scored both goals as Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, taking his tournament tally to seven — level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
“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 said.
Norway maintained their remarkable unbeaten record against the five-time world champions, with three wins and two draws in five meetings.
They will face England in Miami on July 11 for a place in the semi-finals.
Brazil suffered their earliest World Cup exit since losing to arch-rivals Argentina in the last 16 in 1990.
“It’s incredible to win,” said Haaland, 25, who has now scored 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.”
=== AFP ===
