Erling Haaland stood at the heart of Norway’s now-famous “Viking Row” celebrations, pounding the drum in front of thousands of jubilant supporters after the victory over Brazil. As his teammates danced behind him, it felt like a fitting image of a team following the rhythm set by its talisman after reaching a first-ever FIFA World Cup quarter-final.
Making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway have produced the tournament’s biggest surprise under coach Stale Solbakken, himself a midfielder in that last World Cup squad. Nearly three decades later, Solbakken has guided his country on a historic run, driven in large part by the player he calls the “world’s best goalscorer”.
Born just weeks after Norway’s last major tournament ended at Euro 2000, Haaland is now leading his country to heights it had never previously reached.
“I think the way we played today showed that Norway is a fantastic football team,” Haaland said.
“We’re actually one of the better teams in Europe and the world because what we’ve been doing is amazing. It took 28 years, it took some time.
“I’m 25 years old, so you can’t really blame me for that. It’s unbelievable. I’m proud of my country and I’m proud of everyone.”
Haaland’s club exploits have long established him among football’s elite. The Manchester City striker has won the Premier League Golden Boot three times in the past four seasons, while his scoring record for Norway borders on the extraordinary.
Yet beyond the goals, his greatest impact may be the belief he has instilled in a nation that had grown accustomed to watching major tournaments from afar.
“I dreamed of playing in the World Cup with Norway and taking them to the World Cup, but I never expected to win against Brazil, let’s be honest,” Haaland said.
“I thought it was not possible to do some things, but I guess I’m wrong.”
The 25-year-old opened the tournament with two goals in a 4-1 win over Iraq before another brace in a 3-2 victory over Senegal secured Norway’s place in the knockout rounds.
Solbakken’s decision to rest Haaland during the group-stage defeat to France now looks inspired, ensuring his star striker was fresh for the business end of the competition.
It proved decisive.
After scoring the late winner against Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, Haaland delivered again against Brazil to send Norway into the last eight.
Changing a nation
“I think we are changing the nation,” Haaland said. “I never dreamed of this. I mean it’s a bit surreal.”
His seven goals in just four matches have drawn him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at the top of the tournament scoring charts.
The wider numbers are even more remarkable: 62 goals in 54 international appearances, including goals in each of Norway’s last 14 competitive matches—a streak that has yielded 27 goals.
“Haaland is the world’s best goalscorer,” Solbakken said, repeating a sentiment he has voiced throughout the tournament.
“He looked physically very fit today. I think it was difficult for the Brazil centre-backs to keep him quiet. How far we can go, I don’t know. We are among the last eight. We will see.”
Andreas Schjelderup, who came on at half-time against Brazil and assisted both of Haaland’s goals, admitted the squad continues to marvel at their prolific striker.
“I am lost for words. We are all lost for words. We are all just happy that he is Norwegian and that he is playing for us,” the Benfica winger said.
“The things he does every game to be able to score—it doesn’t matter, you can just cross the ball or pass it in blindly and he will score. We are so lucky to have him and we appreciate him very much.
“Hopefully he will score some more goals in the next games, so we are looking forward to that.”
Whether Norway’s quarter-final opponents are co-hosts Mexico or England in Miami on July 11, one thing is already beyond doubt: every remaining team knows Haaland needs only a moment to decide a match—and perhaps continue Norway’s remarkable journey.
AFP
