Brazil's wait to win their sixth World Cup will stretch to 28 years after they were eliminated from the 2026 tournament by Norway on Saturday. Erling Haaland's late double secured a 2-1 win for the Scandinavians, who took advantage of Bruno Guimaraes missing an early penalty to win through to the quarter-finals for the first time.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed suggestions that his side have developed a specific 'anti-Erling Haaland' tactical blueprint ahead of their World Cup knockout clash. The Selecao are looking to secure a place in the quarter-finals as they prepare for a high-stakes showdown with Norway in New Jersey.
Bruno Guimaraes has hit back at suggestions that Brazil are the overwhelming favourites against Norway, accusing Erling Haaland of cleverly shifting the pressure onto the five-time champions ahead of Sunday's World Cup round-of-16 clash, while also revealing his excitement for a personal battle with Martin Odegaard in midfield.
Erling Haaland has admitted that Norway face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup dream alive after setting up a daunting round of 16 clash against Brazil. Despite Norway winning three of their four games at the tournament to date, the Manchester City superstar is refusing to get carried away as the Scandinavians prepare to face one of the favourites.
Quite predictably, Erling Haaland was Norway's hero as his late goal secured a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast to send the Scandinavians through to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, setting up a showdown with Brazil. The Manchester City striker had been peripheral for long stretches but popped up to bobble home the winner with just four minutes left on the clock in Dallas, after Manchester United's Amad Diallo had hauled Les Elephants level.
The Golden Boot may not always lead to team success, but the race for the individual award this summer might be one of the most compelling in recent memory
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has hit back at suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo should be managed similarly to Lionel Messi or Erling Haaland, labeling such comparisons as "childish." Despite his age, the veteran forward has played every single minute of the Selecao’s World Cup group stage campaign so far.
Erling Haaland has defended Stale Solbakken's controversial decision to rest several key players in Norway's heavy defeat to France, insisting the result would not have changed. The striker believes the rotation policy leaves Norway in a stronger position for the knockout stages despite widespread criticism.
Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has revealed his preference for Harry Kane over Erling Haaland, praising the England captain's superior tactical intelligence and link-up play. The legendary Uruguayan forward highlighted how Kane's unique ability to read the game and look for his team-mates sets him apart from other modern number nines.
Dayot Upamecano has detailed his tactical blueprint to nullify the immense threat of Erling Haaland ahead of a highly anticipated World Cup showdown. The French defender faces his ultimate test of the international tournament in Boston as Les Bleus square off against an in-form Norway side.
Kylian Mbappe versus Erling Haaland was billed as the next great footballing rivalry to follow Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's two decades of dominance, but as the France and Norway superstars prepare to go head to head at the 2026 World Cup, it's fair to say that their individual tussle has yet to really take off in the way many people expected.
Martin Odegaard led Erling Haaland and the Norway squad in a viral 'Viking Row' celebration after securing their place in the World Cup knockout stages. The squad joined supporters in the celebration following their victory over Senegal, and the post-match scenes quickly went viral on social media.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has urged football fans to remain grounded despite firing Norway into the knockout stage of the World Cup. The clinical forward netted twice in a thrilling victory over Senegal to guarantee progress, but he quickly dismissed any suggestions that his nation are genuine contenders to win the tournament.
A match loaded with star power - Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane and Martin Ødegaard among them - needed an unlikely spark, and Norway backup right back Marcus Pedersen provided it after a tense opening 42 minutes. Then Haaland took over, twice powering past a bewildered Senegal defence to seal a 3-2 win and send Norway into the knockouts for the first time since 1998.
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