Image Credits: Imago Images
Brazil and Alisson’s 2026 World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday night in New Jersey, as Erling Haaland struck twice in the final eleven minutes to hand Norway a stunning 2-1 victory at MetLife Stadium.
It had been a tightly contested Round of 16 clash. Brazil looked well-organised and disciplined for large parts, holding a clean sheet until the 79th minute – before Haaland’s ruthless instinct proved the difference.
A late Neymar penalty in stoppage time was nothing more than a consolation, as the five-time world champions were dumped out in the last 16 for the third time in history.
For Alisson, it was a night of mixed emotions. The Liverpool goalkeeper was arguably one of Brazil’s better performers and drew plenty of praise from the Brazilian press despite the defeat.
Ge Globo gave the Liverpool No.1 a 6/10 rating and said:
“He wasn’t at fault for Norway’s goals. He made an important intervention late in the first half, saving a one‑on‑one effort from Ødegaard. Twenty minutes into the second half, he read the danger well and came off his line to intercept a dangerous cross. He was called into action again on 29 minutes, getting down to a shot into the corner from Schjelderup.”
ESPN Brasil gave Alisson a 6.5 and noted:
“Without any fault in Haaland’s goals, he still made two excellent saves that kept the tie at 0-0 until the final stretch of the match.”
With Brazil’s World Cup journey now over, attention turns swiftly back to club football for the 33-year-old. Alisson will now be able to report back to Merseyside earlier than expected.
Liverpool’s pre-season schedule is set to get underway on 13 July, but it’s unlikely that he arrives in time for that.
New manager Andoni Iraola will be keen to have his first-choice goalkeeper integrated early as the Reds begin building towards what they hope will be a far more positive campaign than last season’s disappointing finish.