Haaland's Brace Sends Norway Past Brazil, Spotlighting Vinícius Júnior's Wasted Prime

Erling Haaland scored twice to send Norway to the quarterfinals over Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, while Vinícius Júnior again carried Brazil but was let down by a weak supporting cast and inconsistent tactics. The piece argues Vinícius is often scapegoated, but the real issue is Brazil's systemic shortcomings—lacking solid fullbacks, midfield, and attacking cohesion—contrasted with Haaland thriving in a well-built Norway setup.