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In a major upset at the North and Central America World Cup, Norway has defeated tournament favorite Brazil to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in history. Norway’s star striker Haaland scored two goals, joining Messi and Mbappe in a tie for the top scorer position, further intensifying the race for the Golden Boot.
Reporter Jeon Yeongmin has the story.
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Norway faced early disappointment in the 3rd minute when Berg's shot hit the back of the net, only to be ruled offside. However, the team successfully held off Brazil's offensive thanks to a series of brilliant saves by goalkeeper Nyland.
Nyland blocked a penalty kick from Guimaraes in the 13th minute and followed up by parrying a left-footed shot from Vinicius, keeping the goal firmly locked.
In the 59th minute, Nyland quickly narrowed the shooting angle after Endrick took a heavy touch, averting a potential goal.
Then, in the 79th minute, the prolific striker Haaland broke the tense 0-0 deadlock.
As Schjelderup delivered a quick cross from the flank, Haaland leaped high to connect with a header, scoring the opening goal.
After Nyland desperately saved a ball that had deflected off a defender, Haaland struck again in the 90th minute.
Facing two defenders, he fired a bullet-like left-footed shot into the corner of the net to complete his brace. With his 7th goal of the tournament, he is now tied for the lead in scoring with Messi and Mbappe.
Although Norway conceded a penalty kick goal to superstar Neymar during stoppage time, they held onto their one-goal lead to win 2-1 and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time ever.
[Haaland/Norway National Football Team: It is not often that I am speechless, but right now I am not sure what to say. I just think that Norway is a fantastic team and we showed that we were indeed the better team today.]
Norway will face England on July 12 for a spot in the semifinals.
(Video Editing: Lee Seung-jin)