Norway and England Reach World Cup Quarter-Finals After Thrilling Round of 16 Victories

Norway and England booked their places in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday after two dramatic Round of 16 encounters, while football fans now turn their attention to two blockbuster knockout fixtures taking place today.

Norway produced a stunning late comeback to eliminate Brazil, while 10-man England survived a spirited fightback from co-hosts Mexico to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Haaland Sends Norway Into History

Norway reached their first-ever FIFA World Cup quarter-final after defeating Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium.

Erling Haaland proved the difference, scoring twice late in the match to complete a remarkable turnaround. The striker found the net in the 79th minute before sealing victory with another goal in the 90th minute.

Brazil pulled one back through a Neymar penalty deep into stoppage time, but it was too late to prevent Norway from celebrating one of the biggest victories in the nation’s football history.

England Hold Off Mexico

England also secured their place in the last eight with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.

Jude Bellingham gave England the perfect start with a first-half brace before Harry Kane added a penalty to put the Three Lions in control.

England’s task became significantly harder when Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute, forcing Gareth Southgate’s side to defend with 10 men for the remainder of the match.

Despite Mexico’s late pressure, England held firm to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

Today’s Round of 16 Fixtures

Two more places in the quarter-finals will be decided on Monday, 6 July.

Portugal vs Spain

• Round of 16
• Venue: Dallas Stadium
• Kick-off: 19:00 SAST

USA vs Belgium

• Round of 16
• Venue: Seattle Stadium
• Kick-off: 02:00 SAST

Quarter-Final Confirmed

Norway and England will now meet in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on 11 July after both sides progressed from Sunday’s Round of 16 action.

Read Inbound SA online