Erling Haaland has intensified the competitive atmosphere ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final matchup, asserting that England carries the burden of pressure when they face Norway.
The striker has had an outstanding tournament, netting seven goals in four matches, which includes a brace in the last-16 victory over Brazil. As Norway makes its return to this stage for the first time since 1998, Haaland, with his trademark humor, emphasized that the focus should be solely on the English team.
When asked if all eyes are on England, Haaland simply replied, “I think there are some clear favourites out there. England are one of them, so I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.” He was further probed about whether Norway could capitalize on that pressure, to which he responded, “I think everyone should stay humble but they should be confident of progressing, definitely,” Reflecting on last year’s prediction that Norway had a mere 0.5% chance of winning the World Cup, he remarked that the odds haven’t improved significantly. “I didn’t expect this at all,” he asserted. “Even before the first game I didn’t expect it, and now I didn’t expect it. To be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup, it’s quite surprising even for me. “Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil, then go and play England in a quarter-final in the USA, is quite special. And I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be here.”
This was delivered with a grin. On the topic of whether England fans should “It’s a special game, definitely,” ahead of the match, referencing his past comments to Mikel Arteta after a Manchester City vs. Arsenal draw, he stated, “I think for me, it’s super special because I play in England and I’m born in England, and you also play against teammates and everything. So it’s a bit … not weird, but it’s a funny game and it’s going to be nice.”
During Norway’s training session in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, Haaland maintained a light-hearted demeanor, expressing his fondness for Americans by calling them “It’s a key for my daily life to train well, focus well and prepare well, but you also need to enjoy the moment and that’s what we’ve been doing now,” However, he acknowledged the seriousness of the upcoming match, admitting that this summer’s success, both personally and for the team, has taken him by surprise. “And as we play in the World Cup we just have to enjoy it because nothing lasts forever, and we have to just enjoy while we’re here.” said the 25-year-old. “Even before the first game I didn’t expect it, and now I didn’t expect it. To be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup, it’s quite surprising even for me.
“Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil, then go and play England in a quarter-final in the USA, is quite special. And I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be here.”
Haaland, who was born in Leeds during his father Alf-Inge Haaland’s tenure at Elland Road, highlighted the personal stakes of this match. “It’s a special game, definitely,” he noted. “I think for me, it’s super special because I play in England and I’m born in England, and you also play against teammates and everything. So it’s a bit … not weird, but it’s a funny game and it’s going to be nice.”
Norway stands on the brink of making further history, and while leading as the team’s formidable striker, Haaland aims to embrace the lighter side of the occasion. “It’s key for my daily life to train well, focus well and prepare well, but you also need to enjoy the moment and that’s what we’ve been doing now,” he said. “And as we play in the World Cup we just have to enjoy it because nothing lasts forever, and we have to just enjoy while we’re here.”
As the match approaches, Haaland and his teammates have reported no health issues, dispelling earlier rumors of a sickness bug within the squad.
