Haaland Equals Gerd Muller's Record With Seven Goals in Four Games

Erling Haaland described his remarkable goalscoring ability as a “gift from God” after scoring twice in Norway’s stunning 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The Manchester City striker took his tournament tally to seven goals in his first four World Cup appearances, helping Norway reach the quarterfinals for the first time in the country’s history.

Haaland became the first man since West Germany legend Gerd Muller at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico to score seven goals in his first four appearances at the tournament. His two goals against Brazil also moved him level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. The striker has now scored 62 goals in just 54 appearances for Norway, matching Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Scandinavian international record of 62 goals, achieved in 122 matches.

The 25-year-old has also scored in each of his last 14 competitive matches for Norway, finding the net 27 times during that run. Reflecting on his finishing ability, Haaland said he usually expects to score if he receives one or two clear opportunities. He credited his success to remaining focused and believing that a chance would eventually arrive before describing his ability to convert opportunities as a gift from God.

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Haaland also spoke about the significance of representing Norway and urged young players watching the historic victory to view playing for their country as the greatest source of pride. He said he wished he could join the celebrations on the streets back home and described the victory as one of the craziest days in Norwegian history. The striker encouraged supporters across the country to enjoy the moment.

Brazil entered the contest as favourites but suffered their first Round-of-16 defeat at a World Cup since Argentina eliminated them in 1990. Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland played a decisive role, making four crucial saves, including stopping a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimaraes. Haaland then struck twice to eliminate the record five-time champions and preserve Norway’s unbeaten World Cup record against Brazil.

Nyland said Norway had always believed they were capable of defeating Brazil despite entering the match as underdogs. The goalkeeper described the result as one of the greatest moments of his career and a huge achievement for Norwegian football. With Norway still alive in the tournament and Haaland continuing his extraordinary scoring run, the Scandinavian side now heads into the quarterfinals carrying the momentum of the biggest victory in its history.

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