Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup after a 1-2 defeat to Norway, bowing out in the round of 16 in a result that ended the dream of a sixth star and cemented one of the darkest nights in the history of the Seleção — perhaps second only to the shattering 7-0 loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.
The Brazilian national team fell victim to a string of unwanted records in the defeat to Norway, failing to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since the 1990 edition, after Erling Haaland sealed the match with a brace.
Brazil also recorded the longest trophy drought in their World Cup history, having failed to lift the cup across 6 consecutive tournaments since their last title in South Korea and Japan in 2002 — equalling the previous longest wait between their 1970 and 1994 titles, which spanned 24 years.
Their European curse in the knockout rounds continued as well, with Brazil suffering their 7th consecutive defeat to a European opponent in World Cup knockout matches — an unprecedented sequence in their history.
The last time Brazil beat a European side in a World Cup knockout match was the 2002 final, when they defeated Germany 2-0, before stumbling in every subsequent knockout encounter against European nations.
Norway have long proved a bogey side for Brazil throughout their head-to-head history. Of the 91 national teams Brazil have faced, Norway stand as the only one against whom Brazil have never managed a single victory.
Brazil's struggles against Norway were again on full display, with today's defeat marking their 3rd loss in 5 meetings between the two sides, while the other 2 matches ended in draws.
Deep sorrow gripped Brazil's supporters, who left MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in a state of despair following the bitter farewell.