Erling Haaland’s dream FIFA World Cup debut came to an end on Saturday as Norway bowed out in the quarterfinals, but the prolific striker believes the tournament has transformed football’s standing in his country. Norway’s remarkable campaign concluded with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England, ending a run that captured the imagination of fans around the world. Haaland was substituted with around 15 minutes remaining and watched from the bench as Jude Bellingham’s brace sent the Three Lions into the semifinals. While Norway fell short of a place in the last four, Haaland finished the tournament with seven goals and established himself among the leading scorers of the competition. Reflecting on the journey, the Manchester City forward described the experience as unforgettable. “These have been the coolest six weeks I’ve had in my entire life,” the 25-year-old was quoted by Xinhua. “It was completely crazy. These are memories for life. It’s the most fun thing I’ve been a part of.” The quarterfinal proved particularly demanding, with players battling intense heat and humidity in Miami. Haaland admitted the conditions took a toll but refused to use them as an excuse for the defeat. “It was tough. It was quite special to play in that humidity,” Haaland said. “I don’t want to make any excuses. Quarterfinals are decided by small details, and we had some situations go against us.” One of the key talking points came when Norway had a goal ruled out following a VAR review that penalised Haaland for a foul on England midfielder Elliot Anderson. The striker disagreed with the decision. “I felt like I was being pulled the whole way, and I think it was a soft decision,” Haaland said. “If that’s a free kick, then I should have a free kick in almost every duel in every single match.” Despite the disappointment, Haaland believes Norway’s performances have left a lasting impact. The team’s run to the quarterfinals, coupled with the popularity of the supporters’ “Viking row” celebrations, turned Norway into one of the tournament’s biggest stories. The chant, performed by fans and players alike, became a viral sensation across social media and host cities throughout the competition. “The way we put Norway on the map is the one thing that touches me the most,” Haaland said. “I hope this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it’s possible. It’s possible to play on the biggest stage in the world with a Norway t-shirt on.” The tournament also featured an emotional reunion with Bellingham, Haaland’s close friend and former Borussia Dortmund teammate. The England midfielder scored both goals that ended Norway’s World Cup dream. Yet Haaland had nothing but praise for his friend. “Jude is a good friend… He’s such a good guy,” Haaland said. “I’m not surprised that he performed the way he did. England is lucky, [Real] Madrid is lucky, because everybody would want a Jude in their team.” Born in Leeds before representing Norway internationally, Haaland admitted he would continue to follow England’s progress in the tournament. “I think I got an England jersey before I got a Norway jersey when I was young, so of course, I want England to do well,” he said. Looking back on Norway’s campaign, Haaland believes the team has already achieved something significant by proving it can compete with football’s traditional powers. “I’ve said it many times, we’re building something in Norway. I think it’s already built,” he said. “We’ve shown that it’s possible to beat one of the biggest football nations in the world, Brazil. We gave England a good fight.” With the tournament now behind him, Haaland is looking forward to a break after an emotionally draining six weeks. “I am completely finished now, I can safely say that,” Haaland concluded, looking ahead to a quiet holiday after the emotional rollercoaster. “It’s been so many impressions, so many feelings. I’m quite happy with my life. I’m in a good place.”
