Norway striker Erling Haaland has stated that all the pressure is on England as the two sides prepare for their World Cup quarter-final match in Miami on Saturday. Haaland, who plays for Manchester City, encouraged the media to intensify the pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s team.
Norway has reached the final eight for the first time in a World Cup since 1998. Their journey to the quarter-finals included finishing second in Group I and then defeating Ivory Coast and Brazil in the knockout stages. England, on the other hand, has consistently reached at least the quarter-finals in the last three men’s World Cups but has not made it to the final since their victory in 1966.
When questioned about the pressure, Haaland affirmed, “Yes, definitely. I think there’s some clear favourites out there, England’s one of them.” He further added, “I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads. Yeah, they [England fans] should be confident of progressing, definitely. It’s England.”
Haaland’s unexpected World Cup journey
Haaland, who was born in Leeds, has scored in each of his last 14 competitive games for Norway. He aims to continue this impressive run against the nation of his birth. His popularity in the US has significantly increased during the tournament, attributed to both his on-field performance and his personality.
Last year, Haaland had suggested that Norway had a minimal chance of winning the World Cup. However, his seven goals in four appearances, including a double against Brazil in the last 16, have been instrumental in propelling Norway to the quarter-finals. “I didn’t expect it. To be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup is quite surprising even for me,” Haaland admitted.
He described the experience as “quite special,” especially playing against Brazil and then facing England in the quarter-finals in the USA. Haaland noted that such an achievement is not typical for Norway, making it “super special.” He also mentioned his enjoyment of the tournament experience in the US, praising the games, stadiums, and training facilities.
Haaland’s off-field activities have also garnered attention. After scoring the winning goal against Ivory Coast in the last 32, he was seen shopping for cowboy hats and boots in Dallas, a trip he documented on his YouTube channel, which quickly amassed over six million views. He has also been seen attending the Stanley Cup final and leading his teammates in a ‘Viking row’ celebration after defeating Brazil.
“I like to joke a little bit and I like to have fun,” Haaland said, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the moment. He believes that while training and preparation are crucial, so is having fun, especially during a significant event like the World Cup.
England defender Nico O’Reilly, Haaland’s teammate at Manchester City, suggested that Haaland’s comments might be “mind games.” O’Reilly, who is expected to start at left-back for England in the quarter-final, acknowledged Norway’s collective strength. “They’re a good team as well. They have shown it through the whole tournament. It’s not just certain players we have to worry about – they’re good collectively. It’s going to be a good game and good battle.”
O’Reilly is well aware of Haaland’s scoring prowess, stating, “Erling is Erling. We all know what he is like. He can score goals and is dangerous in the box. He is a real threat. They need to get him the ball. A lot goes into it.” England assistant Anthony Barry echoed these sentiments, highlighting that Norway is not a one-man team and possesses other threats, including strong players in their frontline who play for major European teams.
A historical rivalry revisited
The upcoming match brings to mind a historic encounter between Norway and England from 1981, when Norway secured a 2-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier. This match is remembered for the iconic radio commentary by Bjørge Lillelien, who famously declared, “We have beaten England! England, the birthplace of giants!”
Lillelien’s commentary, which included a direct message to then-Prime Minister Maggie Thatcher, has achieved legendary status in Norwegian folklore. Despite England’s struggles in 1981, losing to several teams and drawing others, the victory held immense significance for Norway, a nation that had not participated in a major tournament since the 1938 Olympics.
The deep-seated connection Norwegians have with English football stems from the 1960s when the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK began showing live matches from the English first division. This exposure led to generations of Norwegians developing strong attachments to English clubs and players. Commentator Øyvind Alsaker, who will be covering Saturday’s match for Norwegian broadcaster TV2, recalls growing up pretending to be English football heroes.
The sentiment remains strong today, with many Norwegian children dreaming of playing in England. As Alsaker prepares to commentate on the quarter-final, he described the feeling as “unreal,” especially considering Norway’s progression to this stage. He expressed a sense of humility and responsibility, understanding the importance of the match for the Norwegian public. “Norway-England, of all things. A week ago, we thought that it couldn’t get bigger than Norway-Brazil, but there you go.”
The quarter-final match between Norway and England is scheduled for Saturday in Miami at 22:00 BST.
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Source: bbc.com
