Brazil's dream of winning the Hexa has once again been shattered. On Sunday, July 5th, the Seleção were eliminated in the Round of 16 of the World Cup by a heroic Norwegian team (2-1). This shock to the football world condemns the four-time world champions to wait until at least 2030 to hope to lift the trophy again, 28 years after their last triumph.

The Scandinavians, led by a lethal Erling Haaland and an imperious Ørjan Nyland in goal, pulled off the first resounding upset of this World Cup. Their opponents, the Brazilians, will have immense regrets, hampered by a missed penalty early in the match and the unsuccessful introduction of young Endrick. For the first time in their history, Norway reached the quarterfinals, where they awaited the winner of the England-Mexico match.

The turning point of the match: Guimarães' failure, the Endrick mirage

The match started at a frantic pace. After a scare when a Norwegian goal was disallowed for offside, Brazil quickly had a golden opportunity: a penalty won by Matheus Cunha. Unfortunately for the Seleção, Bruno Guimarães' attempt was brilliantly saved by Nyland. A save that completely galvanized Martin Ødegaard's team.

While Vinicius Jr. dazzled with dazzling runs and sharp counter-attacks before halftime, the breakthrough never materialized. After the break, Carlo Ancelotti went for broke, bringing on the young prodigy Endrick. This tactical gamble backfired spectacularly: perfectly set up by Vinicius, the young forward miscontrolled the ball in front of the goalkeeper, squandering a golden opportunity. Even the late introduction of Neymar couldn't change the outcome.

Haaland, the cyborg strikes twice

After enduring sustained pressure, Brazil finally broke. Following a dazzling display from Alisson against Schjelderup, the Benfica player delivered a perfect cross for Erling Haaland , who headed the ball powerfully into the back of the net. His sixth goal of the tournament.

With his back against the wall, Marquinhos almost equalized with a subtle lob, but the post saved Nyland. Late in the game, the Norwegian juggernaut sealed the victory: Haaland, played through on goal, bagged a brace with a clinical, low shot. Neymar's penalty in the dying seconds was merely a consolation goal.

The Auriverdes' record: a collective shipwreck

1. Alisson (6/10): He made several reflex saves, but was let down by his defense on both of Haaland's goals.
2. Gabriel Magalhães (5/10): A nightmare against the Norwegian "Cyborg", totally powerless on the aerial opening goal.
3. Marquinhos (6/10): Solid in his duels and very close to playing the savior with his lob that hit the post.
4. Vinicius Jr: The only real Brazilian spark in the match, but cruelly too isolated to lead the attack.

And now ?

For Carlo Ancelotti, the task ahead is immense. Hailed as the messiah to restore Brazil to its former glory, the Italian manager has suffered a resounding failure. Conversely, Norway has earned its place among the elite and proven that with a great goalkeeper and the best striker in the world, no dream is too big.