From Brazil's heartbreak to England's heartbeat: Day 25 thrills

Star Sports Desk

The twenty-fifth day of the FIFA World Cup 2026 had everything -- heavyweights crashing out and a knockout classic that went down to the wire.

Here's a wrap up of the thrilling action on Monday:  

Haaland shatters Brazil's dream
Brazil's quest for a sixth World Cup title ended in stunning fashion as Norway claimed a famous 2-1 victory, powered by a late Erling Haaland double that sent the Scandinavians into the quarterfinals.

Nyland's defining moment
Before Haaland took centre stage, goalkeeper Orjan Nyland kept Norway alive with a superb first-half penalty save from Bruno Guimaraes and several crucial interventions as Brazil dominated large spells.

Another European heartbreak
The defeat extended Brazil's unwanted record to six successive World Cup eliminations against European opponents and marked their earliest exit since 1990, despite beginning a new era under Carlo Ancelotti.

Neymar's emotional farewell?
Brazil's exit may also have marked the end of an era, with Neymar, who scored what ended up being a consolation goal, hinting at international retirement. "I tried... Now it's over," the 34-year-old said after the defeat.

England survive Azteca thriller
England edged hosts Mexico 3-2 in one of the matches of the tournament, surviving a second-half siege to book their place in the last eight.

Bellingham lights the spark
Jude Bellingham stunned Mexico with two goals in 98 first-half seconds before Julian Quinones reduced the deficit to keep the hosts alive heading into the break.

Ten men, one survivor
England's task became significantly harder when Jarell Quansah was sent off after a VAR review early in the second half, forcing the Three Lions into survival mode.

Captain Kane answers again
Harry Kane restored England's cushion from the penalty spot before Raul Jimenez converted another spot-kick for Mexico. England, however, held firm through relentless late pressure to secure a memorable victory.

Quarterfinal blockbuster awaits
The reward is a mouth-watering last-eight clash between England and Norway, with Haaland's giant-killers now standing between the Three Lions and a place in the semifinals.

The 23rd edition of the tournament began on June 12 and will reach its conclusion on July 20.