Anand Mahindra says Erling Haaland plays like Magnus Carlsen as Norway knock out Brazil

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra praised Norway striker Erling Haaland after his two late goals helped Norway defeat five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Sharing his thoughts on social media, Mahindra compared Haaland's movement and finishing to a chess strategy, saying the forward appeared harmless before striking with precision when the opportunity arose.

Anand Mahindra compares Haaland to Magnus Carlsen

Reacting to Norway's victory, Mahindra said Haaland's football intelligence was comparable to the chess skills of fellow Norwegian Magnus Carlsen.

He wrote that Haaland "ambles on the field looking completely non-lethal," luring defenders into leaving him unmarked before "striking like a cobra" once he identifies a passing lane. Mahindra added that Carlsen might describe the approach as the "Cobra Gambit."



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Haaland's late brace sends Norway into the quarter-finals

Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

The Manchester City striker headed home in the 79th minute from a cross by Andreas Schjelderup before adding a second goal 11 minutes later with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area.

Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, but it proved only a consolation for Brazil after Bruno Guimaraes had earlier missed a spot kick.

Brazil's World Cup campaign ends in disappointment

Brazil failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1990 despite entering the match on an 11-match unbeaten World Cup run.

The five-time champions were awarded an early penalty after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha, but Guimaraes was denied by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Defender Marquinhos described the defeat as "inexplicable" and said the players must take responsibility so future generations could build on the experience.

Tactical changes prove decisive for Norway

Norway coach Stale Solbakken introduced Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb after the break, a move that helped change the course of the match.

Schjelderup provided the assist for Haaland's opening goal before setting him up again for his second strike.

Solbakken said he believed his team had a genuine chance of winning if they performed at their best and relied on their match winners.

Haaland continues Golden Boot chase

Haaland said he had reached "a new peak" during the tournament and credited his ability to stay focused in front of goal.

The brace extended his scoring streak to 14 consecutive competitive matches and took his tally to seven goals at the FIFA World Cup 2026, drawing level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

Following the victory, Haaland celebrated with Norway supporters as the team secured a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face either Mexico or England.

(With inputs from Reuters)