Erling Haaland is doing that thing where he sounds humble but also kind of dares you to believe him. Norway’s star striker, who has seven goals in this World Cup already, stood in front of reporters on Thursday and called England the clear favorites for Saturday’s quarterfinal. He said it with a straight face.
“Really low still,” Haaland said when asked about Norway’s chances. “I think there are some clear favorites out there. England’s one of them, so I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.”
It’s a typical bit of gamesmanship. But it also happens to be true. England came into the tournament as one of the betting favorites and have looked the part so far. Norway, on the other hand, had never even made it past the round of 16 before this year. They knocked out Brazil in the last round, which was already the biggest win in program history.
Haaland was born in Leeds, England, before choosing to represent Norway internationally. So this game carries a layer of personal tension most players never have to deal with. He’s facing the country where he grew up. He’s facing Premier League teammates. He’s facing the whole weight of a media machine that has already started writing England’s narrative.
“It’s a special game,” Haaland said. “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 — it’s not weird, but it’s, I don’t know the name in English. It’s a funny game, and it’s going to be nice.”
The Upset That Changed Everything
Beating Brazil in the round of 16 wasn’t just a result. It was a seismic event for Norwegian soccer. The country had never won a knockout match at a World Cup before. Haaland scored twice in that game, dragging his team through by sheer force of will.
But now comes the real test. England is deeper, more experienced and playing in a World Cup hosted in the United States where every game has felt like a home match. Norway has belief but not much history to lean on.
“Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians,” Haaland said. “And to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarterfinal in the World Cup in the USA is quite special. If you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be. So it’s super special.”
Haaland has been the best player in the tournament by almost any measure. Seven goals in four games, physical dominance every time he touches the ball, and a quiet confidence that borders on cold. But he’s also never faced an England defense that knows him this well. Harry Maguire and John Stones have trained against him at Manchester City. Kyle Walker has raced him in drills. They know his movement patterns, his trigger points, his tells.
That doesn’t mean they can stop him. It just means they know what’s coming.
Saturday night in the quarterfinals. Haaland vs. the country that raised him. Norway vs. the team that expects to win. It’s the kind of game that makes a tournament memorable no matter what happens. And Haaland, for all his talk about who’s favored, sounded like a guy who plans to make it weird for everyone watching.
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