​Erling Haaland has said that leading Norway’s attack against England in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final would be another “super special” career highlight. The eagerly awaited clash at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium (kick-off 22:00 UK time) could see Haaland come up against City teammates Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly, along with a host of familiar English faces. The Manchester City forward has already enjoyed a string of high-profile moments in his illustrious career, and he has become the focal point of Norway’s charge to the last eight, with seven goals to his name so far, including a brilliant brace in last Sunday’s 2-1 Round of 16 win over Brazil.
Yet the 25-year-old conceded that the prospect of facing the country of his birth, where he plays his club football daily, with a World Cup semi-final at stake, would be a moment to truly savour. “It’s a super special game,” Haaland said in anticipation of Saturday night’s showdown in Miami. “I play in England and I’m born in England. You also play against your club teammates and everything. So, it’s a bit weird—a funny game, but it’s going to be nice. I definitely didn’t expect this at all. I’ve said it many times before—even before the Brazil game I didn’t expect us to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup. It’s quite surprising even for me. I’m enjoying so many things. First of all, just to be able to play in the World Cup is an honour and a huge goal for me in my career. To be able to be here and play on the biggest stage with my Norwegian friends against the best teams in the world is really special.”
Haaland has emerged as one of the World Cup’s defining figures while maintaining a relaxed, calm demeanor throughout Norway’s journey. Despite the intense spotlight on him, he has tried to stay rooted, enjoy the tournament, and make the most of the World Cup adventure whenever possible. The City star even found time for a few mind games in the buildup, insisting that England are the clear favourites to progress. “England should be confident of progressing—it’s England,” Haaland said. “There are some clear favourites out there, and England is one of them, so I think every one of you should put all the pressure on the English lads. It’s important to joke around, and I think you all know me by now—I like to joke a little bit for better SEO.”