Haaland: 'All pressure on England' as Norway's World Cup quarter-final awaits
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, born in England and a star for Manchester City, has heaped expectation on the Three Lions before Saturday's World Cup quarter-final in Miami, as Norway's surprise run continues.
Haaland turns up the heat
Erling Haaland used his pre-match press conference to shift all World Cup expectation onto England, as Norway prepare for their first quarter-final since 1998. The Manchester City striker, who has scored seven goals in four games, was in playful mood when asked about the pressure.
Yes.
When pressed on whether Norway could exploit that, he doubled down.
Yes, definitely.
He even invoked his famous “stay humble” remark, saying England must remain confident but humble.
A very personal match
For Haaland, the match carries extra layers. He was born in Leeds, plays his club football in England, and will line up against several Manchester City teammates.
It’s really special because I play in England, I was born in England and I’m going to play against teammates so I’d be a little uncomfortable.
He described the tournament experience as “wonderful” and a “big stage with friends.”
Norway’s unexpected journey
Norway’s run has surprised even their star man. They eliminated Ivory Coast in the last 16 and then stunned Brazil 2-1, with Haaland scoring a brace.
Playing against Brazil was pretty crazy for us Norwegians, and then beating them to go and face England in the quarter-finals in the United States – it’s amazing.
He admitted his own disbelief: “I didn’t expect this at all. My mother didn’t expect it either, honestly, to be in the quarter-finals.”
Favourites tag denied
Despite the nation’s best World Cup performance in almost three decades, Haaland dismissed Norway’s title chances.
Very low still. I think there are a few clear favourites and England is one of them, so I think all of you should put all the pressure on the English boys.
The quarter-final kicks off on Saturday at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
