cold Erling Haaland with the moments that matter to send Brazil crashing

It's the grin that gets you every time. A subtle upturning of the mouth, the sparkle in the eyes, and then the flashing of the teeth.

Erling Haaland is the kind of ice-cold customer that does not need to break out into grand theatrical displays when achieving what no-one else can muster.

Let the fans have their tears of joy rolling down their cheeks, goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland with his vein bursting, eye-popping roars after another magnificent save, and his teammates with their limbs flailing in delirious embraces and piggybacks.

Haaland is a man who knows how to own a moment, to turn it into a classic, and give you the sense that he is only just getting started.

After scoring each of his two late goals in a 2-1 win over Brazil to send Norway through to the quarter-finals, Haaland stood proudly, the slightest grin escaping, once again single-handedly delivering his country to another level in football nirvana.

"I peaked a couple of times in this tournament, but every now and then I get a new peak," Haaland said.

"If I get a chance or two, it usually turns into a goal. I don't know how I do it, but that's how I am. It's about being focused."

History for Norway

Norway played the patience game to perfection in New Jersey, while Brazil, for all its immense potential and incredible attacking flair, could not penetrate.

The Norwegians barely registered any shots on goal before Haaland's interventions, despite dominating possession.

But they never looked too concerned by it, knowing with the ultimate weapon in their back pocket, they could afford to play it safe.

Brazil was promising on the counter-attack but failed to deliver where it mattered most.

Scintillating bursts down the pitch often came unstuck in the box, despite Vinicius Jr leading a valiant charge.

Haaland was well contained throughout, always surrounded by at least two defenders, and he had only had three touches in Brazil's box.

With his much hyped personal duel with Gabriel seemingly falling the Brazilian's way, Norway finally unleashed.

In the 79th minute, Andreas Schjelderup's cross met the head of Norway's Viking king.

Haaland's second came 10 minutes later, finally finding himself in some space, he unleashed an excellent low drive from outside the box.

He now has seven goals this tournament, equal with fellow golden boot leaders Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, despite sitting out Norway's final group game against France.

Captain Martin Ødegaard had been leading the Viking row celebration with fans after previous victories, but this moment called for Haaland.

And as he banged on the drum with all his might, that is where all the emotion exploded, celebrating with his fans, realising the enormity of sending Norway through to the quarterfinals for the first time.

In fairness, with the talent at their disposal, a last eight appearance was always a realistic benchmark to reach. Anything further than that would move it into the realms of Norwegian fantasy.

But it is entirely possible, they are a team that is well organised, cool-headed, and with a game plan built around playing to their strengths — or one man's strength.

"It's one of the most insane days in Norwegian history," Haaland said.

"I think this will inspire many young people, just as I was inspired when I was young."

Coach Ståle Solbakken agreed this was a historic moment for his country.

"This is the greatest night in Norwegian football history," he said.

Brazil hoping for brighter future

Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer Neymar has brought an end to his international career after the deflating loss.

"I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over," he said.

The 34-year-old made his international debut at the venue in New Jersey and ended with a penalty deep into stoppage time when the game was already gone.

He struggled with a calf injury throughout his time in North America, playing limited minutes in two games, and yesterday's hero remained in the past, unable to manufacture one more miracle for his team.

Bruno Guimaraes’ saved penalty in the first half could have changed the complexion of the game, but the signs of decline had appeared long before this tilt.

The five-time champions miss the quarterfinals for the first time since 1990, but in recent years have been much like another fallen giant, Germany, resting on their history, without the ability to back it up.

Carlo Ancelotti was brought in as a white knight one year ago, but the highly decorated Italian manager could not bring Brazil back to its former glory.

He called upon some aging stars in this game and through the tournament, but their best years had long passed, and while Vinicius Jr was ever the headline act, his support cast was not quite up to the task.

"It’s inexplicable," defender Marquinhos said.

"We have to take ​responsibility for this so that future ‌generations can build on it."

It has been 24 years since Brazil won the last of its record five titles. Unless major changes are made, that wait will continue for many more years.

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