News Focus
- Erling Haaland prepares for his first FIFA World Cup appearance with Norway
- The Manchester City striker will face Iraq in the Group D opener at Boston Stadium
- Coach Ståle Solbakken dismisses speculation linking the forward with Real Madrid
- Norway aim to surpass their 1994 campaign, which featured Haaland’s father Alf-Inge
Norway’s star striker Erling Haaland is ready to make his FIFA World Cup debut on Tuesday. The Manchester City forward will lead the attack against Iraq at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.
The venue holds great historical significance. Thirty-two years ago, Diego Maradona played his final World Cup match for Argentina at this same ground. Now the stadium, formerly known as Foxboro, will host the start of Haaland’s journey on football’s biggest stage.
National team manager Ståle Solbakken has complete faith in his key player. “He is the best goalscorer in the world,” the 58-year-old coach stated. “His fitness is excellent. He has improved steadily during our training sessions.”
Solbakken expects his side to create chances for Haaland. “If you provide opportunities for Erling, he usually puts them in the net,” the coach added.
The Norwegian boss brushed aside questions about transfer links to Real Madrid. “We have not discussed this,” Solbakken said. “It does not concern me, and I know nothing about it.”
Former Norway striker Tore André Flo attended Monday’s training session. He believes the current squad is the strongest in the country’s history. “Yes, I think so,” said the ex-Chelsea player. “We have the Premier League’s top scorer and the captain of the English champions. There are many stars in this team.”
Flo rejected suggestions that pressure might overwhelm Haaland. “He improves every year,” Flo explained. “He has moved from small clubs to giant ones without problems. The expectations do not seem to bother him.”
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard also plays a vital role for Norway. The midfielder will supply passes for Haaland. Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer praised both players. “We are lucky to have two of the world’s best footballers,” Ajer said. “They bring confidence to the squad.”
Norway begin their Group D campaign against Iraq. Tougher clashes against Senegal and France will follow. Haaland averages more than one goal per game for his country.
Solbakken also settled his dispute with Scotland. A cancelled friendly match had caused anger last week. “I have moved on,” the coach said. “Good luck to Scotland. I have always supported them because I love Liverpool.”
Haaland spent time playing golf in Marbella before the tournament. He also watched ice hockey during the team’s camp in North Carolina. The 25-year-old has promised to guide Norway past the group stage.
His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played in the 1994 World Cup. That Norway team finished last in their group. Erling recently tried on his father’s old shirt from that tournament. He joked about the number 18 on the back. “That number is too high,” he laughed.
Haaland also shared messages from Manchester City team-mates. Bernardo Silva wrote that the club needed Haaland to win the Champions League. City finally claimed that trophy in 2023.
Now Haaland chases World Cup glory. If he performs well in Massachusetts, his reputation will grow even larger.