"The biggest day in Norwegian football history. It was a thriller," says Norwegian national team coach Ståle Solbakken.
It was no surprise that Erling Haaland needed to have a hand in the game if Norway were to advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The Norwegian superstar is now on seven goals in the tournament.
More surprising was Norway's other match hero, goalkeeper Nyland, who last season was a reserve goalkeeper at Spanish club Sevilla.
Nyland made a number of sharp saves, including a penalty in the 14th minute.
Bruno Guimares stepped up to the penalty spot, but Nyland jumped and was able to save the weakly struck penalty.
Line of saves
And the Norwegian goalkeeper continued in the same style. Gabriel Martinelli tried, Vinicius Jr. too, but Nyland was in the way. Substitute Endrick had a huge chance in the second half. He won a free kick after he had been on the field for only a minute, but Nyland made himself huge and forced Endrick to send the ball wide.
And when the South Americans couldn't take advantage of their chances, it was only a matter of time before a certain Norwegian superstar would step in and decide the match.
“Can beat everyone”
And that's exactly what happened. In the 79th minute, Andreas Schjelderup crossed from the left wing, and Haaland headed in behind the Brazilian goalkeeper.
The 2-0 came in the 90th minute on a shot from outside the box.
During the second-half water break, Solbakken and Haaland had a conversation.
"I told him that the chances would come. Take advantage of everything you get and the goals will come," says the Norwegian national team coach.
Haaland is now the joint top scorer in the World Cup alongside Kylian Mbappé of France and Lionel Messi of Argentina. All have scored seven goals.
Brazil's consolation goal came from a Neymar penalty, but only seconds remained in the match.
Now Norway awaits the winner of England and Mexico.
We can beat everyone, but we can also lose to everyone, says Solbakken.
