Erling Haaland has intensified the psychological tactics ahead of the World Cup quarter-final, asserting that England will bear the burden of pressure when they meet Norway on Saturday.
The Norwegian striker has been in phenomenal form during the tournament, netting seven goals in just four matches, including two in Norway’s recent 2-0 victory over Brazil. This marks Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, and Haaland, with his characteristic playfulness, suggested that the expectations should solely rest on England.
When asked if all the pressure is on England, Haaland responded affirmatively: “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 elaborated on the possibility of Norway capitalizing on this pressure, stating, “I think everyone should stay humble but they should be confident of progressing, definitely,” Last year, Haaland estimated Norway’s chance of winning the World Cup at a mere 0.5%, and despite recent successes, he implied that the odds remain slim. “I didn’t expect this at all,” he commented. “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 shared with a grin. Haaland also responded playfully to a question about whether England fans should “It’s a special game, definitely,” before the match, recalling his earlier remark to Mikel Arteta after a draw between Manchester City and Arsenal in September 2024. “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.” he said.
During a lighthearted training session in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, Haaland expressed his fondness for Americans, 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 that serious matters lie ahead, admitting that the summer’s personal and team achievements have 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 time at Elland Road, emphasized the personal significance of the upcoming 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 further historical achievements, and while he serves as the team’s formidable offensive leader, Haaland is eager to embrace the celebratory aspect of the occasion. “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,” he explained. “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.”
Ahead of facing England, Haaland and his teammates have maintained their health, with earlier reports of a sickness bug within the squad being overstated.
