Norway stun five-time champions Brazil 2-1 at World Cup last-16 upset

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10 days · 4 summary articles
Norway stuns five-time champions Brazil 2-1 at the FIFA World Cup in East Rutherford, New Jersey, ending the Seleção’s hopes of a sixth title and sending shockwaves through global football. Erling Haaland struck twice as the Scandinavian side, ranked 26th in the world, eliminated the tournament favourites in a dramatic last-16 tie watched by millions across Europe and beyond. The result marks Brazil’s fourth consecutive elimination at the hands of European opponents in major tournaments and the first time Norway have beaten the South Americans in five official meetings.
Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, dominated possession but struggled to break down Norway’s disciplined defensive block. Örjan Nyland, the Norwegian goalkeeper, made a string of crucial saves to keep his team level until the 82nd minute, when Haaland capitalised on a defensive error to fire past Alisson. The Manchester City striker added a second in stoppage time to seal the upset, sparking wild celebrations among Norwegian fans and disbelief among Brazilian supporters. “This is a historic night for Norwegian football,” said national team coach Ståle Solbakken. “We knew we had to be compact and punish Brazil on the counter.”
The defeat leaves Brazil, who have won the World Cup a record five times, facing fresh scrutiny over their tactical approach and squad depth. Analysts pointed to Brazil’s lack of a recognised striker and over-reliance on creative midfielders such as Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. “Brazil’s golden generation is still searching for its identity,” noted *Süddeutsche Zeitung* football correspondent Thomas Kistner. “Tonight, they looked like a team without a plan.”
In the other last-16 tie, England secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice before Harry Kane converted a late penalty. The Three Lions will face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday, setting up a clash between two sides that have defied pre-tournament expectations. England’s progression was overshadowed, however, by controversy after Donald Trump personally intervened with FIFA president Gianni Infantino to overturn a red card shown to USA striker Folarin Balogun. The decision sparked immediate protests from Belgium, who face the USA in their quarter-final, and drew criticism from football officials and pundits alike. “Donald Trump is just the latest in a long line of politicians who believe they can rewrite the rules of football,” said Kistner. “This sets a dangerous precedent.”
Off the pitch, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that unchecked advances in artificial intelligence pose an existential threat comparable to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In a *Chatham House* essay, Cooper argued that without global coordination, AI could trigger “disastrous consequences” within two years. “We are at a crossroads,” she told *The Guardian*. “The choices we make now will determine whether AI becomes a force for good or a tool of destruction.” Her remarks come as world leaders prepare for high-stakes negotiations on AI governance at the upcoming G20 summit.
Closer to home, Austria’s parliament is expected to approve a €240 million extension of the country’s strategic gas reserve until 2029, following a plea from Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer for cross-party support. The measure requires a two-thirds majority and has drawn criticism from opposition parties concerned about long-term energy security. Meanwhile, Super Typhoon Bavi has caused significant damage on the US territory of Rota in the Pacific, with authorities reporting strong winds and flooding. Rescue efforts are underway as the storm moves away from the island.
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