All eyes were on Haaland and Arsenal defender Gabriel as they renewed the rivalry that has become familiar to Premier League fans.
The duo have shared several bruising battles in their club colours and this meeting on the international stage carried plenty of intrigue.
But their latest meeting took time to come to life.
Their first tussle did not arrive until after the half-hour mark and left Gabriel on the floor, while Haaland's only touch inside the box in the quiet first half only led to a tame effort that was comfortably gathered by Alisson.
As the game progressed, so did the threat possessed by Haaland.
The 25-year-old got ahead of Douglas Santos to almost slide in at the far post after a cross from Ajer in the 67th minute before the all-important moment 12 minutes later when he beat Gabriel to the key header.
And in a warning to their potential next opponents England, Haaland then made a second all on his own to take his goal tally to seven from just four appearances.
Meanwhile for Brazil, the loss will put the future of head coach Ancelotti into doubt.
Brazil had just 33.5% of possession and only threatened from counter-attacks, but passed up the few chances that came their way.
They had 14 attempts in the game but only four of them on target, generating an xG of 2.73. Norway, meanwhile, only had an xG of 0.84.
Italian Ancelotti was appointed to the post in May 2025 after his departure from Real Madrid and helped Brazil secure World Cup qualification.
He has a contract that runs until 2030 but the manner of this exit will mean the debate around his future starts far sooner than anyone in Brazil expected.