​Erling Haaland confessed that facing England, the land of his birth, in the World Cup quarter-finals felt especially meaningful as he aims to push Norway further into the history books by reaching the last four. In his first major international tournament, the Manchester City striker has powered Norway to the knockout stage, scoring seven goals in four appearances, including a dramatic two-goal burst to help oust Brazil in the round of 16.
Haaland was born in England while his father, Alfe Inge Haaland, was playing for Leeds, and he has spent the past four seasons with Manchester City, where he has become a defining figure of the Premier League. “It’s a special game, yeah, definitely. For me, it’s super special because I play in England and I was born there, and you also come up against teammates and everything,” Haaland told reporters in Miami. “It’s a funny game, and it’s going to be nice.”
Norway’s run in their first World Cup in 28 years has exceeded all expectations, thanks largely to Haaland’s ruthless finishing. “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,” he added. “Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians, and to win against Brazil and then go on to face England in the quarter-finals on the World Cup stage in the USA is quite special. If you watch the scenes back home in Norway, this isn’t normal for us, so it’s super special.”
England have progressed to the quarter-finals for a third consecutive World Cup but have not lifted a major trophy for six decades. Haaland was eager to apply pressure on the Three Lions, who were among the pre-tournament favourites. With the top four seeds still in contention for the last four, England could meet defending champions Argentina, while France and Spain could clash in the other semi-final. “I think there are clear favourites out there; England is one of them,” Haaland said. “I think all of you should put every bit of pressure on the English lads.”
Haaland’s exploits have elevated him as a star in the United States as well. Beyond his scoring record, the 25-year-old has shown a jovial personality that has won him fans. Just hours after scoring the decisive goal in the last-32 win over Ivory Coast, Haaland posted a video in which he wore a cowboy hat and boots in Dallas, a clip that went viral. “It’s enjoyable because I like Americans—I think they’re quite funny, and I’m enjoying the way they are,” he said of his growing fame in the USA. “I think it’s all been great. Honestly, in every aspect of the World Cup so far here, it has been amazing—from the games to the stadiums, everything has been fantastic. The training ground where we train has been incredible, so I’m super happy, and it’s been impressive.”