Erling Haaland is having a pretty good World Cup. Seven goals. A spot in the quarterfinals. And apparently, he’s also been picking up on American vibes.
The Norwegian striker told Fox Sports the U.S.-hosted tournament has been amazing so far. He praised the stadiums, the training grounds, the energy. But what really caught people’s attention was the bit about Americans themselves.
“I think it’s a good thing because I like the Americans,” Haaland said. “I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny, I like the way they are so, I think it’s just good, honestly, every single thing with the World Cup so far here has been amazing. From games to stadiums, everything has been amazing. Where we train, has been amazing so I am super happy and it’s been impressive.”
Americans had a rough week on the field
The USMNT, meanwhile, didn’t get to enjoy quite the same level of happiness. They got absolutely cooked by Belgium in the Round of 16, losing 4-1 in a game that was never really close. Belgium outclassed them from the opening whistle and it showed on the scoreboard.
But here’s the thing. This U.S. team did more than a lot of people expected. They played five games and showed a brand of soccer that actually felt dangerous at times. Credit Mauricio Pochettino for getting them to a level nobody really saw coming this fast.
The expanded field is paying off
This is the first World Cup with 48 teams and it’s been fascinating. Lower-ranked nations have made runs nobody predicted. The stadiums have been legitimately world-class. And even though the USMNT is out, the tournament itself is humming along pretty well.
The home crowds have been loud. The atmosphere has been real. It’s working.
Haaland still has work to do
Haaland is currently tied with Kylian Mbappe at seven goals in the Golden Boot race. Lionel Messi leads with eight. Haaland’s Norway faces England in the quarterfinals and they just knocked off Brazil, so confidence is high.
If Haaland keeps this pace up, those seven goals could easily turn into double digits. And he might just keep laughing the whole way.
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