Erling Haaland says Brazil win 'greatest game' in Norway history - ESPN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Erling Haaland said his two-goal, match-winning performance in Norway's 2-1 World Cup round-of-16 victory against Brazil capped an «insane» day in his country's history — and its greatest game.

Manchester City forward Haaland moved level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé on seven goals in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot with his brace at MetLife Stadium, and the win secured a quarterfinal clash in Miami against England.

Norway had never won a World Cup knockout game prior to this tournament — their first appearance at the World Cup since 1998. And after extending Norway's unbeaten record against the five-time world champions to five games, Haaland said the result would go down in Norwegian history.

«Maybe this will write history in Norway,» Haaland said. «Everyone just need to enjoy themselves. This is just an insane day. It's one of the most insane days in Norwegian history. Just enjoy it, embrace it and enjoy the moment.

»We're very proud of this, and it was certainly a huge game for Norway against Brazil. I think this will inspire many young people, just as I was inspired when I was young.

«Everyone needs to enjoy and savor this great victory, Norway's biggest victory in soccer. This is crazy. It's all just wonderful.»

Norway won the game by enjoying two-thirds of possession against Carlo Ancelotti's team and creating more shots on target. Haaland had a frustrating afternoon before scoring, but he said he was patient in waiting for the chances to score.

«Every game is different,» Haaland said. «We needed one chance or another; it was important to wait for the opportunities and simply score when they came.

»A header to make it 1-0. The 2-0 was incredible — absolutely crazy. In Norway's