Erling Haaland admits Brazil World Cup victory ‘still feels unreal’ after Norway’s historic upset

Erling Haaland has admitted Norway’s remarkable World Cup victory over Brazil still feels “unreal” after his late double sent the Scandinavian nation into the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

The Manchester City striker produced another clinical performance on the biggest stage, knocking the five-time world champions out of the tournament while keeping himself firmly in the race for the Golden Boot.

Haaland fires Norway into the last eight

Haaland delivered when it mattered most as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash in New Jersey.

The prolific striker broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a powerful header before sealing the famous victory with a composed low finish in the 90th minute.

Brazil had opportunities of their own, with Bruno Guimaraes seeing an early penalty saved before Neymar scored a late consolation from the penalty spot, but it was not enough to prevent the Selecao from suffering a shock elimination.

‘Brazil is football’

Speaking on his personal YouTube channel after the match, Haaland explained why defeating Brazil meant so much to him.

The Norwegian striker highlighted the South American nation’s iconic football heritage and admitted facing them had always felt special.

“Brazil is a football nation. They are probably the first football nation you learn about because of all the legendary players who have played there.”

“The shirt, the country, the passion, all the greats they’ve had. It’s a bit unreal to play against Brazil.”

‘I never imagined this could happen’

Haaland also revealed Norway entered the match with little external expectation, allowing the squad to play without pressure against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.

The 26-year-old confessed he never truly believed a victory over Brazil was possible until it became reality.

“It still seems unreal, like something so far-fetched.”

“I never imagined this could happen, which makes the fact that we actually managed to beat Brazil even more surreal to me.”

“It’s been incredible. I need to relax and get some sleep because I’m completely exhausted. This is amazing and breathtaking.”

Golden Boot race remains alive

Haaland’s decisive brace not only secured one of the greatest victories in Norwegian football history but also strengthened his bid to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.

With Norway now through to the World Cup quarter-finals, the striker will have further opportunities to add to his tally as Ståle Solbakken’s side continue their dream run on football’s biggest stage.