Brazil waste penalty as Norway stand firm in goalless first half

Highlights

• Brazil and Norway remain goalless at half-time in World Cup last-16 tie.
• Norway's early goal ruled out for offside after VAR review.
• Ørjan Nyland saves Bruno Guimarães' penalty to keep scores level.
• Winners will face either England or Mexico in the quarter-finals.

Brazil and Norway were locked at 0-0 at half-time in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (6 July), with VAR playing a decisive role in a tightly contested opening period.

Norway thought they had taken an early lead when Patrick Berg found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled Alexander Sørloth offside in the build-up.

Brazil were later awarded a penalty following another VAR intervention after Matheus Cunha was fouled inside the box. However, Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland denied Bruno Guimarães from the spot with a diving save to preserve the deadlock.

For the five-time world champions, Vinícius Júnior and Gabriel Martinelli posing the greatest attacking threat down the flanks. Despite their dominance, Brazil struggled to create clear-cut chances against Norway's disciplined defence.

Norway remained dangerous on the counterattack, with Erling Haaland's physical presence and Martin Ødegaard's creativity causing occasional problems for Brazil's backline.

The match developed into a tactical contest, with Brazil pressing for an opener while Norway remained compact and looked to exploit opportunities on the break.

The winners will advance to the World Cup quarter-finals to face either England or Mexico.

The match also carried historical significance, with Brazil entering the contest still searching for their first-ever victory over Norway. In four previous meetings, Norway had won twice while the other two encounters ended in draws. Their last meeting came in 2006, when the teams played out a 1-1 draw.