Vinicius Jr in class gesture during Erling Haaland interview as Norway dump Brazil out of World Cup
VINICIUS JR showed Erling Haaland the ultimate sign of respect after the Norwegian hitman dumped Brazil out of the World Cup. The 25-year-old striker, who turns 26 later this month, scored twice to seal a 2-1 win for Norway, with Brazil‘s consolation coming from Neymar via the penalty spot deep into injury time. While Haaland was speaking to the media after his Player of the Match performance, Vinicius Jr made sure to pop his head in and embrace the striker as a show of congratulations. It was a very classy gesture from someone who must have been hurting after his country exited the World Cup. Haaland has now moved onto seven goals in this World Cup and that puts him level at the top of the Golden Boot race alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Staggeringly, Haaland has racked up a barely believable 62 international goals in 54 games. READ MORE Brazil were sent packing after Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes missed a first-half penalty and Haaland showed his class in the final third. Carlo Ancelotti, who was brought in to manage a superstar Brazil squad, can only view this venture in the World Cup as a failure. But his star man, Vini Jr, had enough class to put his heartache to the side and show appreciation for Haaland’s performance. Perhaps it was some foreshadowing for Haaland and Vini Jr linking up in Madrid down the road? Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS World Cup 2026 - all the info The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up as we head towards the business end of the tournament. England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on fire. But the likes of France, Spain and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way. Heavyweights Germany, Netherlands and Brazil have all been knocked out. LATEST NEWS - Match report: England 3 Mexico 2 - England fans go wild in pubs around the country - Henderson rushed to hospital after suffering freak injury - England and Mexico benches erupt in furious brawl - Ronaldo makes bombshell retirement announcement - Neymar, 34, RETIRES from international football after Brazil defeat KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. That’s something the Norway forward’s dad has not been shy about discussing. Speaking to DAZN ahead of Norway’s legendary win, Alf-Inge Haaland said: “Real Madrid move? “He’s very happy at Manchester City and has a long contract. “We’re waiting for the new season, but anyone would want to play for Madrid. “You never know what can happen in football”.