New York: Norway stunned five-time world champions Brazil 2-1 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash after midnight on Sunday to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. Brazil, meanwhile, failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.
England, on the other hand, produced a spirited and composed performance to defeat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 on their home soil and book their place in the quarter-finals. Mexico thus became the second host nation to be eliminated from the tournament after Canada.
Norway and England will now face each other in the quarter-finals for a place in the last four.
Haaland Fires Norway into the Last Eight
Norway failed to score until the 79th minute against Brazil, with both teams locked at 0-0 for most of the match. Erling Haaland finally broke the deadlock with a superb header to give Norway a 1-0 lead.
The long-haired striker struck again 11 minutes later to double Norway’s advantage and virtually seal the victory. Neymar converted a penalty deep into injury time after the regulation 90 minutes, but it proved too late as Norway secured a memorable 2-1 victory.
Bellingham Scores Twice in Just 96 Seconds
Jude Bellingham put England firmly in control by scoring twice in just 96 seconds, finding the net in the 36th and 38th minutes to make it 2-0.
Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico in the 42nd minute, but England captain Harry Kane restored the two-goal cushion with a penalty in the 60th minute to make it 3-1.
Raul Jimenez converted a penalty for Mexico in the 69th minute, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a series of outstanding saves to deny the hosts another goal. England eventually held on for a hard-fought 3-2 victory and advanced to the quarter-finals.
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