July 5’s Norway vs Brazil match saw the FIFA World Cup’s very own Vikings score two smashing goals against the latter, taking them out of the series. It was half-a-shock, given Brazil’s stronghold in World Cup proceedings over the years, but it was also largely anticipated, given Erling Haaland’s form – who incidentally scored both goals taking Brazil out – turning him into a top contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or. This would’ve been just another polarising match, except that it wasn’t. At the end of it, Neymar Jr, who has played almost 16 years for Brazil, heartbreakingly announced his retirement from international football. This World Cup was his last, and sadly, it ended in a crushing defeat at the hands of a team that started out as underdogs.
