The 2-1 victory sends Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history, a run built on a dominant defensive display as much as Haaland’s attacking threat. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who currently plays without a club, was the standout performer of the first half, producing a string of crucial saves to keep the scoreline level before Haaland’s double turned the tie in Norway’s favour.
Matthaus revealed that Norway had been his secret pick to go deep in this World Cup even before a ball was kicked, saying: “Norway was my dark horse even before the World Cup. They dominated Italy twice in qualifying, and now they’ve knocked Brazil out of the tournament . They have exceptional players like Martin Odegaard, Bundesliga stars like Antonio Nusa, and a goal machine in Erling Haaland . But they also had a bit of luck and a superb goalkeeper who secured the victory.”
Norway will now face England in the last eight, setting up a heavyweight clash between two of the tournament’s form teams as the Scandinavian side’s remarkable run continues.