London: Erling Haaland's bobbing blonde hair is usually one of the easiest things to spot on a football pitch. More often than not, it is charging into open space at full tilt, defenders scrambling in pursuit. That was not so much the case on Sunday, but still he scored twice, as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time.
According to BBC, the 25-year-old only had four touches inside the box in the last-16 tie - but with one of them, he broke the deadlock 79 minutes in. His second goal, 11 minutes later, a low drive from outside the box, underlined the clinical edge that makes him one of the most feared strikers in world football. This moved him level with France's Kylian Mbappe and Argentina's Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings with seven goals.
"You don't see any other player doing that," former Scotland winger Pat Nevin remarked on BBC Radio 5 Live, describing the winning goal. "There was not a chance there. There wasn't a half chance, quarter chance. Nothing."
Haaland's goals meant Norway sealed a historic victory over the South Americans. Competing in a World Cup for the first time since 1998, Stale Solbakken's side now stands just three wins away from an unlikely world title, with England to come next after they beat Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling last-16 encounter. But with gamechanger Haaland in their ranks, Norway will believe anything is possible.
"He has given the whole country belief that they can go really far in this competition," said Wayne Rooney on BBC One. Haaland's international CV already boasted a five-goal haul against Moldova and five other hat-tricks.
"Haaland is a massive character, a personality," former England defender Gary Neville told ITV. "Sometimes it's said he's never done it on the world stage and that's now been removed." Haaland has indeed delivered on the biggest stage with seven goals in four games.
Haaland's numbers for Norway are impressive: 62 goals in 54 senior internationals, averaging a goal every 71 minutes. More impressively, only six of those goals have been penalties. The Manchester City striker has now scored in each of his past 14 competitive appearances for Norway, claiming 27 goals in that run.
Haaland's performance against Brazil also highlighted his enduring battle with Brazil and Arsenal centre-back Gabriel. In the latest chapter of a rivalry forged in the Premier League, Haaland had the final say. Gabriel appeared to have the upper hand early in the game, but as it opened up, so too did the space for the Norway talisman - and Brazil were eventually made to pay.
Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Does he ever have many touches? Not really. This is how he plays and it is moments. Key moments when he turns up."
Haaland, himself, believes he is reaching a "new peak." "I peaked a couple of times in this tournament, but every now and then I get a new peak," he said. "If I have a chance or two, then very often I score. I'm not quite sure, but this is what I do."
Long before kick-off, thousands of Norway supporters had gathered outside the stadium, many draped in Viking helmets, waving giant red flags and singing songs that have become familiar throughout this World Cup. There was excitement, naturally, but also something else - belief. A quiet confidence that this team could compete with anyone.
Norway had not won a World Cup knockout tie until last Tuesday. Now they have won two in a row - the latest against the five-time winners and most-decorated side in the tournament. "I said to the boys that I don't think it's 50-50, but we have a fair chance if we play at our best and have match-winners, and we had that," said Norway boss Solbakken.
At full-time, it was Haaland who led the celebrations, banging the drum as he and his teammates performed the iconic Viking Row with their supporters. "This is just an insane day," said Haaland. "It is one of the most insane days in Norwegian history."
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock added: "I think he has averaged 14 touches a goal, which tells you everything about him. But what he does is he makes unselfish runs in behind, he pins defenders and allows that midfield area to get up."
Solbakken expressed that the whole nation is rowing together, and with that, he means they are having a great party throughout Norway. With Haaland leading the charge, Norway is making history on the world stage, and the belief in the team is unshakable.