Erling Haaland has urged Norway to remain realistic despite securing a place in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday.
The Manchester City striker scored twice for the second consecutive match, taking his tournament tally to four goals and helping Norway book their place in the Round of 32.
His goal haul now puts him level with France star Kylian Mbappé and just one behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
The victory moved Norway onto six points alongside France at the top of Group I, with both teams already assured of qualification ahead of their final group-stage encounter on Friday.
Despite Norway’s impressive form, Haaland was quick to downplay suggestions that his country could emerge as World Cup contenders.
Asked about the upcoming clash against France, the 25-year-old offered a candid assessment.
“I don’t care, we are through,” Haaland said. “They’ll probably beat us and go on and win the whole tournament.”
Norway are competing at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and Haaland believes reaching the knockout stage is already a significant achievement for the Scandinavian nation.
When asked if this tournament could become his defining World Cup, the prolific striker stressed the importance of perspective.
“Depends on what you mean with that.
To qualify for the first time in 28 years and going through the group stage, yes, I would say so,” he said.
“To win the World Cup, absolutely not. I think let’s be a little realistic here, and let’s be happy, every single Norwegian on the planet today.”
The celebrations surrounding Norway’s success were evident long before kick-off, with fans gathering in New York’s Times Square and performing the team’s popular rowing celebration.
The players later joined in the festivities on the pitch after securing victory.
“It was crazy,” Haaland said.
“Martin (Odegaard) and I talked a bit about it before the match, about whether we should join in if everything went the way it did, and it did, so a pretty special moment I would say for the whole of Norway.”
The striker described the occasion as one of the most memorable moments of his career.
“I think it is right up there with the biggest nights I have had in my entire life. I have a bit of the same feeling that I had after the 2023 Champions League final win. It is incredibly huge. I am incredibly proud and all of that.”
Haaland, who now boasts 59 goals in 52 appearances for Norway, reiterated his ambition to help the national team achieve sustained success on the international stage.
“I want to achieve things with Norway. I want to qualify for the World Cup, the Euros, and everything there is,” he said.
“Again, it comes back to showing that it is possible, no matter where you come from. The World Cup is without a doubt the biggest stage. It is huge. Completely fantastic.”
