Norway's unsung hero – Unemployed six days before the WC, then knocked out Brazil

Erling Haaland's clinical brace may have sealed Norway's famous 2-1 victory over Brazil, but the striker was far from the only hero on a memorable night. Standing tall behind him was goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, whose outstanding performance proved just as decisive in sending Norway into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history.

While Haaland struck twice in the space of 11 minutes to stun the five-time world champions, Nyland delivered a goalkeeping masterclass. The veteran shot-stopper denied Bruno Guimaraes from the penalty spot in the 14th minute before repeatedly frustrating Brazil's star-studded attack with a string of crucial saves

Among his finest moments were excellent stops to keep out Vinicius Junior, as well as a remarkable reaction save that prevented Kristoffer Ajer from turning the ball into his own net during the second half.

“Obviously when you are able to save a penalty that early (it is then) very hard to beat you. It was a great moment for myself but also for the team to give ourselves some breathing space,” Nyland told reporters post-match. “In the end we also managed to score at the right moments, so that was amazing.”

For Nyland, the unforgettable display came at an extraordinary moment in his career.

Just six days before helping eliminate Brazil, the 35-year-old became a free agent after his contract with Sevilla came to an end. The experienced Norwegian has enjoyed a nomadic career, representing clubs including Molde, Ingolstadt, Aston Villa, Norwich City, AFC Bournemouth, Reading and RB Leipzig before his spell in Spain.

His final season at Sevilla was far from ideal. The Andalusian side narrowly escaped relegation from LaLiga, surviving by a single point, while Nyland saw limited action, making only seven appearances in all competitions, five of them in the league.

Remarkably, he might not even have started against Brazil if circumstances had unfolded differently.

Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, who received Norwegian citizenship earlier this year, had hoped to switch his international allegiance from Russia after impressing in domestic football. However, FIFA rejected the request because he did not meet the required residency criteria.

That decision paved the way for Nyland, who has grabbed his opportunity with both hands throughout the tournament.

“It’s great to be here in the World Cup, in the most important match in my life, and I just have to thank everyone who has been there for me — my wife Tine, who has been helping me when I need it the most, and my three fantastic kids, ⁠who have been there too, on both the uphills and downhills, and the rest of the family,” he told reporters after the match, which also saw him exchange heated words with Neymar following the Brazilian's stoppage-time penalty.