The nights that shook the World Cup
Brazil dumped out by Norway, Germany by Paraguay, and a ten-goal bronze final — the games that defined an unforgettable, unpredictable summer.
Every World Cup has its shocks. This one, stretched to 48 teams and 104 games, had a season’s worth — and some of the finest football of the decade folded in among the ambushes.
Norway 2-1 Brazil
The night the tournament turned. Erling Haaland struck twice late to knock out five-time winners Brazil in the Round of 16 — Norway’s first deep run in 28 years, and Brazil’s earliest exit since 1990. Neymar’s stoppage-time penalty came far too late.
Paraguay knock out Germany
Days after thrashing Curaçao 7-1, Germany were gone — beaten by Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 32, goalkeeper Orlando Gill saving twice. One of the great World Cup upsets, and a grim early flight home for a heavyweight.
Cape Verde 0-0 Spain
Before they were champions, Spain were held scoreless by Cape Verde, a nation of half a million, despite piling up 27 shots. A single point that a whole country will remember forever.
England 6-4 France
The bronze final should have been a consolation. Instead it produced the most goals in a World Cup match since 1982. England led 4-0 at the break — a Bukayo Saka hat-trick among them — before France, roared on by two Mbappé goals, came storming back. England held on, 6-4, for their best World Cup finish since 1966.
Add Argentina’s 3-2 extra-time survival against debutants Cape Verde, and the USA’s collapse against Belgium, and the ledger reads like fiction. It wasn’t. It was just this World Cup.