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Erling Haaland has made the rounds several times at this World Cup to downplay Norway’s odds and take a relatively pragmatic view on his side, even though Norway will take on England in the quarter-finals on Saturday 11 July at the Miami Stadium.
Going into this World Cup, Norway had never won a knockout game and were making their first World Cup appearance since 1998. But thanks to Haaland, who has scored a ridiculous seven goals in four games after sitting out the last group stage game, Norway are now in the quarter-finals after winning two knockout games against Ivory Coast and Brazil.
It’s a remarkable achievement for a team that historically wouldn’t be expected to make the last eight. But having a striker who is among the best players in the world has raised Norway’s level and changed the conversation around the team.
Still, Haaland believes winning the World Cup remains a mountain to climb, even after Norway reached the quarter-finals.
Speaking to reporters about Norway’s chances of winning the tournament, Haaland kept it simple.
“Really low, still,” Haaland said.
“I think there are some clear favorites out there, England being one of them,” Haaland said with a laugh. “I think you should all put every bit of pressure on the English boys.”
It is not the first time that Haaland is pessimistic about Norway’s odds. After Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 in a crucial group stage match, Haaland was asked about facing France and played down Norway’s chances of getting through it as well.
“We’re through, we managed to get through, which is unbelievable,” Haaland said. “So I couldn’t care less about that game now. They’ll probably win against us, they’ll probably win the whole tournament.”
The question is whether Haaland really believes what he says, whether it is mind games he is trying to play, or whether it could be a combination of both.
Haaland understands that historically Norway has not been one of the strongest teams in world football, but at this World Cup, with him at the helm, Norway have had a fabulous tournament to this point.
