Norway striker Erling Haaland has stated that the pressure is firmly on England ahead of their World Cup quarter-final match on Saturday. Haaland, who was born in Leeds, will face the nation of his birth in Miami, and has encouraged the media to intensify the scrutiny on Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Norway has reached the final eight of the World Cup for the first time since 1998, after securing second place in Group I and subsequently defeating Ivory Coast and Brazil in the knockout stages. In contrast, England has consistently reached at least the quarter-finals in the last three men’s World Cups, though they have not advanced to the final since their victory in 1966.
When asked about the pressure, the Manchester City striker remarked, “Yes, definitely. I think there’s some clear favourites out there, England’s one of them.” He further added, “I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.” Haaland also suggested that England fans “should be confident of progressing, definitely. It’s England.”
Haaland has been in strong form, scoring in each of his past 14 competitive games for Norway. His seven goals in four appearances during this tournament, including a double against Brazil in the last 16, have been instrumental in Norway’s progression to the quarter-finals.
The striker expressed his surprise at Norway’s deep run in the tournament. “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 commented. He described playing against Brazil and then England in the quarter-finals in the USA as “quite special.”
Haaland’s presence in the USA has also seen his popularity grow, partly due to his personality and off-field activities. After scoring the winner against Ivory Coast, he was seen shopping for cowboy hats and boots in Dallas, a trip he documented for his YouTube channel, which garnered significant views.
He noted his enjoyment of the experience in the USA, stating, “Honestly on every single thing with the World Cup so far here it has been amazing. From the games to the stadiums, everything has been amazing.” Haaland also enjoys the lighter side of the game, saying, “I like to joke a little bit and I like to have fun. I think that’s a key to for my daily life to joke around.”
England’s Perspective on the Match
England defender Nico O’Reilly, a teammate of Haaland’s at Manchester City, suggested that Haaland’s comments could be a form of “mind games.” O’Reilly, who has rapidly risen in his senior career to become England’s starting left-back, is expected to face Haaland in the upcoming match.
O’Reilly acknowledged Norway’s collective strength, stating, “But look, they’re a good team as well. They have shown it through the whole tournament. It’s not just certain players we have to worry about – they’re good collectively. It’s going to be a good game and good battle.” He also recognised Haaland’s scoring ability, noting, “Erling is Erling. We all know what he is like. He can score goals and is dangerous in the box.”
England assistant Anthony Barry echoed these sentiments, emphasising that Norway is not solely reliant on one player. Barry highlighted Norway’s proficiency at set-pieces and their formidable frontline, which includes players from major European teams, such as Martin Ødegaard, who is a Premier League winner and captain.
Barry added, “They’ve beaten some good teams to arrive where they are. It’s no shock and there’s no fluke at this stage of the tournament – whoever’s in the last eight with us deserves it, and they have our full respect.” He confirmed England’s preparation for the game, viewing it as “step one of three” in their tournament journey.
Historical Context of Norway vs England
The upcoming match carries historical significance, particularly for Norway. An iconic moment in Norwegian football history occurred on 9 September 1981, when Norway defeated England 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier. This victory was famously immortalised by Norwegian radio commentator Bjørge Lillelien, whose exuberant commentary has achieved cult status.
Lillelien’s commentary, which included listing prominent British figures and declaring that England’s “boys took a hell of a beating,” reflected the deep-seated connection Norwegians had with English football. For decades, the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK showed live matches from the English first division, fostering a strong affinity for English clubs among Norwegian fans.
Øyvind Alsaker, who will be commentating on Saturday’s quarter-final for Norwegian broadcaster TV2, grew up watching these games. He recalled pretending to be English football heroes like Kevin Keegan. Another commentator, Kasper Wikestad, described England as his “footballing nirvana,” appreciating the atmosphere and chants from the stands.
Despite England’s struggles in 1981, the idea of beating them in a qualifying match was considered an “unrealistic dream” for Norway, who had not participated in a major tournament since the 1938 Olympics. Lillelien’s commentary captured the immense joy and disbelief of that historic win, culminating in his declaration, “Norway have beaten England 2-1 at football! We are the best in the world!”
Today, the fascination with English football continues in Norway, with many young players aspiring to play in England. Alsaker described the feeling of Norway reaching the quarter-finals as “unreal,” especially after their victory over Brazil. He noted that for Norwegians, no opponent holds more significance on the football pitch than England.
The quarter-final match between England and Norway is scheduled to take place on Saturday.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
