Azerbaijan is setting the rules in a changing South Caucasus, expert says
Azerbaijan’s strategic rise is turning it from a transit state into a regional rule-setter, with the Middle Corridor giving Baku growing infl...
England will face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals after Erling Haaland scored twice late on to stun five-time champions Brazil 2-1 and send Norway into the last eight for the first time in their history.
England booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals for a third successive tournament after holding off a spirited Mexico fightback to win 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium.
Thomas Tuchel's side looked to be in complete control after Jude Bellingham struck twice in the space of two minutes before half-time, but England were forced to dig deep after Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half.
Harry Kane restored England's two-goal cushion from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raul Rangel, but the captain later conceded a spot-kick that Raul Jimenez converted to set up a tense finish.
Jordan Pickford produced a string of important saves as England defended bravely with 10 men to secure a famous victory and book a quarter-final meeting with Norway, who earlier stunned Brazil.
After a one-hour delay caused by thunderstorms, England soaked up early pressure before taking control of the contest. Bellingham opened the scoring with a diving header from Bukayo Saka's cross before finishing off another flowing move moments later after being picked out by Kane.
Mexico pulled a goal back through Julian Quinones before the break, and England's task became even tougher when Quansah was dismissed following a VAR review for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
Despite the setback, England kept their composure. Kane coolly converted from the spot just after the hour mark before the visitors produced a determined defensive display to see out the closing stages.
Mexico, backed by a passionate home crowd, refused to give up and piled forward after Jimenez's penalty reduced the deficit to 3-2.
The co-hosts dominated possession in the closing stages and pushed relentlessly for an equaliser, but England held firm to hand Mexico their first-ever World Cup defeat at the Azteca Stadium.
The result also ended Mexico's impressive home record in competitive matches and brought their memorable World Cup campaign to an end, while England march on with hopes of lifting the trophy still very much alive.
The prolific striker struck in the 79th and 90th minutes to send Norway into the last eight and condemn Brazil to their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
The victory marks one of the biggest results in Norwegian football history.
For much of the contest, Brazil appeared the more likely side to break the deadlock. However, Haaland needed only a handful of opportunities to make the difference.
“I mean, it's like things normally are,” Haaland said through an interpreter.
“If I have a chance or two, then very often I score. I'm not quite sure, but this is what I do. It's all about being focused and taking the chances I get.”
The goals were Haaland's sixth and seventh of the tournament, drawing him level with Argentina's Lionel Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe at the top of the scoring charts.
Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland played a crucial role in Norway's victory, producing four saves, including a penalty stop from Bruno Guimaraes in the 14th minute.
Referee Ismail Elfath initially waved away Brazil's appeals after Kristoffer Ajer challenged Matheus Cunha in the box, but awarded a penalty following a VAR review.
Guimaraes stepped up but saw his effort expertly saved by Nyland, who guessed correctly and dived low to his right.
Brazil continued to create opportunities during the second half. Teenager Endrick missed a golden chance shortly after coming on, firing wide after being played through by Vinicius Junior.
Nyland also denied efforts from Rayan and Guimaraes as Brazil pushed for a breakthrough.
The match tilted dramatically in Norway's favour during the final 15 minutes.
In the 79th minute, Andreas Schjelderup delivered a looping cross from the left and Haaland rose above Gabriel Magalhaes to power a header beyond Alisson.
11 minutes later, the pair combined again. Schjelderup found Haaland with a low pass and the Manchester City striker controlled before firing into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Brazil pulled one back deep into stoppage time when veteran forward Neymar converted a penalty, but there was not enough time remaining to complete a comeback.
The 34-year-old's late goal could prove to be his final World Cup score if he does not appear in another edition of the tournament.
The victory preserves Norway's remarkable record against Brazil at the World Cup, improving it to two wins from two matches.
Their previous World Cup meeting came in 1998, when Norway also defeated Brazil 2-1 during the group stage.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken admitted he had not been thinking about a quarter-final place before the tournament.
“I never thought about it,” he said.
“I just thought that we needed to proceed from the group stage. And then, of course, it's the next game, and now it was Brazil.”
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said his side had periods where they deserved more from the match.
“Obviously, everyone is profoundly disappointed,” Ancelotti said.
“We didn't do a spectacular World Cup campaign, but we did a good one, and we even deserved to win the match at some points today.”
Instead, Brazil's long wait for a sixth World Cup title will continue for at least another four years.
For Norway, meanwhile, the celebrations had only just begun.
“This is just an insane day,” Haaland said after leading the travelling Norwegian supporters in celebration.
“One of the most insane days in Norwegian history.”
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
Russia said its air defences downed 180 drones over the Moscow region overnight, with 620 drones reportedly targeting the area, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) President Tomoko Akane and a senior trial lawyer at the court Abdoulaye Seye on Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
Ukraine's parliament has approved Yevhenii Khmara as the country's new defence minister, cementing a key leadership change as Kyiv navigates wartime priorities and a broader government reorganisation.
Thai schools conducted active shooter drills on Wednesday (19 August), as authorities moved to strengthen security measures two weeks after a 14-year-old opened fire at a school and killed at least eight people.
Apple has announced a major overhaul of its business terms for apps distributed in the European Union, introducing a five per cent commission on digital transactions outside its App Store and simplifying its fee structure as it seeks to comply with the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
A record number of humanitarian workers were killed, injured or kidnapped in 2025, with the growing use of armed drones contributing to mounting risks in conflict zones, the United Nations said on Wednesday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment