Oliseh criticizes Brazil after World Cup loss

Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has harshly criticized Brazil after their 2-1 loss to Norway in the round of sixteen of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He believes the five-time champions have lost the identity and quality that made them one of the best teams in football, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, stepped up when it mattered most. He scored with a header in the 80th minute, then added another goal ten minutes later to help Norway secure a memorable win over Brazil at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Neymar managed to score from a penalty deep in stoppage time, but it was only a consolation for Brazil, marking their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

This match also marked Norway's first-ever trip to the World Cup quarterfinals, where they will face England in Miami on July 11.

After Brazil's exit, Oliseh expressed his disappointment about the team's decline. He highlighted Haaland's second goal as a clear sign of the gap between this current Brazil side and their past greatness.

“Erling Haaland’s second goal tells you everything you need to know. Look at the tactical shape, look at the body language, the Brazil we used to know is completely gone.

This Brazil side is sadly and completely playing ordinary. Bravo Norway. This World Cup continues to amaze,” Oliseh wrote on X.

Earlier in the match, Brazil missed a penalty in the first half when Bruno Guimaraes failed to convert. Haaland, who had a quiet game until then, moved ahead of centre-back Gabriel to score from a cross by Andreas Schjelderup in the 79th minute. He finished with a stunning low shot from outside the box in the 90th minute.

Brazil got a stoppage-time penalty after referee Ismail Elfath decided that Leo Ostigard elbowed Casemiro. Neymar took the penalty and scored, but it did not change the match's outcome.

Norway's goalkeeper, Orjan Nyland, played a key role in the game. He stopped shots from Vinicius Jr and later tipped a looping effort onto the post in the 86th minute. Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled to break through a strong Norwegian defense, despite bringing Neymar and teenager Endrick off the bench.