World Cup 2026: Norway Makes History as Erling Haaland Becomes England’s Most Feared Player
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Erling Haaland’s distinctive golden hair is usually an unmistakable feature on the football field.
He is often seen sprinting across open space, with opposing defenders struggling to contain him. However, Sunday’s match presented a different dynamic. Still, Haaland scored twice, leading Norway to a 2-1 victory over Brazil and securing their first-ever place in a World Cup quarterfinal.
At 25 years old, Haaland touched the ball just four times inside the penalty area during the round of 16. On the 79th minute, he converted one of those chances into a goal, putting his team ahead.
Eleven minutes later, his powerful strike from outside the penalty area confirmed why he is considered one of the most dangerous strikers in world football. This brought his total to seven goals in this World Cup, tying him with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. With seven goals, Haaland has become a leading contender for the Golden Boot.
“No other player has scored such a goal,” said former Scotland winger Pat Nevin about Haaland’s decisive finish. “There was no clear opportunity, not even a half or quarter chance. Nothing at all.”
“People often talk about how many times he touches the ball,” said England’s former striker Ian Wright, “but he doesn’t need to touch it often.”
Haaland’s goals delivered Norway a historic victory over the experienced South American side.
This is Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998 under coach Ståle Solbakken, and now they are only three wins away from the world crown. Their next match in the last eight will be against England, who defeated Mexico 3-2.
With players like Haaland who can change the game’s direction, Norway sees every opportunity as possible.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney stated, “He’s given the entire nation belief that this team can go very far in the tournament.”
Haaland’s Impressive Record for Norway
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His international career includes five goals and five hat-tricks against Moldova.
England’s former defender Gary Neville commented, “Haaland is a huge personality. Previously, it was said he hadn’t proven himself at the world level — that narrative is now completely gone.”
Indeed, Haaland has now proven himself on the biggest stage with seven goals in four matches.
During the group stage, he scored two goals each against Iraq and Senegal. He was rested for the 4-1 loss to France, in which Norway made ten changes to their starting lineup.
Haaland has scored 62 goals in 54 international appearances, averaging a goal every 71 minutes. Interestingly, only six of those came from penalties.
As a striker for Manchester City F.C., Haaland has scored in 14 consecutive competitive games for Norway, netting 27 goals during that span.
His latest goal came in October 2024 during a Nations League match against Austria.
International Stage: Haaland 1-0 Gabriel
Before the match, there was much talk about the rivalry between Haaland and Brazil’s center-back Gabriel Magalhães of Arsenal F.C.
This competition that started in the Premier League ultimately ended with Haaland taking the upper hand.
In the first half, Gabriel closely marked Haaland, limiting him to just one touch inside the penalty area. As the game progressed, Haaland began to find chances—and Brazil paid the price.
Haaland’s first goal came with a header after outmaneuvering Gabriel, and for the second goal, the Brazilian defenders were mere spectators.
Throughout the match, Haaland touched the ball only 30 times, matching the number of touches made by substitution Antonio Nusa at halftime. He completed 13 passes.
Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson said, “Does he touch the ball a lot? No. He plays just like that, showing up at the right moment.”
Similarly, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock remarked, “He scores roughly once every 14 touches. That explains his style.”
“He runs behind defenders, keeping them occupied and creating space for midfielders to advance.”
Haaland himself says he feels he has reached a “new peak” in his career.
“I’ve had moments of great form in this competition, but sometimes it feels like I’m on another level,” he stated. “If I get one or two chances, I usually score. I don’t know why, but I just do.”
“The key is to stay focused and make the most of the opportunity. If you don’t score the first chance, another usually comes along.”
Norway’s Historic Day
Before kickoff, thousands of Norwegian supporters gathered outside the stadium. Many wore Viking helmets, waved a giant red flag, and sang a song that has become their World Cup anthem.
There was not only excitement but a quiet confidence that this team could challenge anyone.
Despite producing world-class talent for many years, Norway had long been spectators in major tournaments.
This marks their fourth World Cup appearance and the first since 1998.
Their best previous achievements were reaching the round of 16 in 1938 and 1998.
Until last Tuesday, they had never won a knockout game in World Cup history.
Now Norway has won two consecutive knockout matches, including a victory over five-time world champions Brazil.
Head coach Solbakken said, “I told the players this is not a match to be half-hoping for a win or loss, but to play very well, and if the decisive players perform, our chances are good. Today, that happened.”
After the final whistle, Haaland led the celebrations. He played the drums and joined his teammates in their famous Viking chant.
“Today is truly an amazing day. One of the greatest days in Norway’s history,” he said.
Stephen Warnock added, “He is extremely emotional, and understandably so. In club football, he plays with the world’s best teams, but Norway is not traditionally a football powerhouse. Norway is now making its own history, with Haaland at the forefront.”
Solbakken added, “The whole nation is rowing one boat. Here in Oslo and in every town across Norway, celebrations are ongoing. ‘Rowing’ has become a symbol of our unity. It is a fantastic time for supporters. Sometimes being a fan is more enjoyable than being a coach right now.”
The ‘Viking Roar’ has become the iconic celebration of this World Cup.
To fulfill a promise, former England captain Rooney said he would row a boat with River Mersey if Norway reached the quarterfinals.
