Haaland may have found the net, but goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who is without a club, was instrumental in Norway's stunning 2-1 win over Brazil on Sunday after saving a penalty in the World Cup round-of-16 match — a game he was expected to start on the bench had it not been for FIFA's decision on another player's eligibility.

Nikita Haikin, the Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper, had been performing brilliantly over the past two seasons, and when he obtained a Norwegian passport this year, it seemed that the fate of veteran Nyland (35) was sealed, especially since his contract with Sevilla had ended after last season.

However, in May, FIFA rejected Haikin's request — he was born in Israel — to change his sporting nationality from Russia, where he played two matches for the Under-21 team, to Norway, due to residency requirements, opening the door for Nyland's brilliant performance.

He saved an early penalty from Bruno Guimaraes, and from then on established himself in the match, thwarting attempts by Vinicius Junior and Endrick, and preventing what would have been a stunning own goal by Kristoffer Ajer when he threw himself backward at the last moment to tip the ball with his fingertips onto the far post and out of danger.

After arriving at the World Cup following a season with Sevilla where he mostly sat on the bench, few would have believed Nyland capable of such a heroic performance, but when his country needed him, he answered the call.

He told reporters: 'It's wonderful to be here at the World Cup, in the most important match of my life, and I can only thank everyone who stood by me. My wife Tine, who helped me when I needed it most, and my three wonderful children, who also stood by me through good times and bad, and the rest of the family.'

Nyland ended the match with a verbal exchange with Neymar after Brazil were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes, and although the Brazilian scored from the spot, the goalkeeper had the last word when the referee blew the final whistle moments later.

The goalkeeper revealed he has not received any offers from other clubs, but intends to continue his career.

He said: 'No, I haven't checked my phone yet. I'm going now for a doping test, that's the boring thing I have to do first, and then I'll enjoy the moment, of course. This was the most important match of my career.'