Erling Haaland hails Norway’s ‘greatest night’ after stunning Brazil to reach World Cup quarterfinals

• Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
• The Manchester City striker described the victory as one of the biggest moments in Norwegian sporting history.
• Norway will face England in the quarterfinals after eliminating the five-time world champions.

Erling Haaland said Norway’s dramatic victory over Brazil will be remembered as the greatest result in the country’s football history after his two goals secured a 2-1 win and a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.

The Manchester City striker produced a match-winning display at MetLife Stadium, taking his tournament tally to seven goals and drawing level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

Norway had never previously won a World Cup knockout match before this tournament, making Sunday’s triumph over the five-time world champions another landmark achievement for Stale Solbakken’s side.

“Maybe this will write history in Norway,” Haaland said.

“Everyone just need to enjoy themselves. This is just an insane day.”

“It’s one of the most insane days in Norwegian history. Just enjoy it, embrace it and enjoy the moment.”

“We’re very proud of this, and it was certainly a huge game for Norway against Brazil. I think this will inspire many young people, just as I was inspired when I was young.”

“Everyone needs to enjoy and savor this great victory, Norway’s biggest victory in soccer. This is crazy. It’s all just wonderful.”

Norway controlled large periods of the match, enjoying the majority of possession while creating more chances on target than Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil.

Haaland admitted he had to remain patient before his decisive moments arrived.

“Every game is different,” he said.

“We needed one chance or another; it was important to wait for the opportunities and simply score when they came.”

“A header to make it 1-0. The 2-0 was incredible, absolutely crazy.”

“In Norway’s history, this is the greatest game. We’re proud to have secured these victories against Ivory Coast and Brazil.”

The celebrations continued long after the final whistle, with Haaland leading his teammates in front of the travelling supporters by beating a drum and joining in the traditional Norwegian rowing celebration.

Head coach Stale Solbakken said the result had united the nation.

“I think all of Norway is now rowing,” Solbakken said.

“It is great that this has become one of the images of the World Cup and that our fans back home are having such a good summer.”

“This is the greatest night in Norwegian football history.”

“How far we can go, I don’t know. We are in the last eight, so we will see.”

Norway’s victory earned them a quarterfinal meeting with England after the Three Lions defeated Mexico in the round of 16.

Solbakken insisted his side are ready for whichever challenge lies ahead.

“It’s completely impossible to answer now because we don’t know who our opponents will be, so let us wait until after the Mexico-England game,” he said.

“I don’t have any preference. If it’s Mexico, it’s Mexico. If it’s England, it’s England.”

Norway will now attempt to extend their remarkable World Cup run when they face England for a place in the semifinals.