google-site-verification: googlec7193c3de77668c9.html

World Cup 2026: Haaland rises to the occasion on World Cup debut

Advertisements

If there is a stage that is too big for Erling Haaland, we’re yet to find it.

A hat-trick on his Champions League debut for RB Salzburg, a hat-trick on his Bundesliga debut for Dortmund, a double on his Premier League debut for Manchester City, and now two goals on his World Cup finals debut, inspiring Norway to a 4-1 win over Iraq.

The 2026 World Cup might be six days in, but it felt as if it really began on Tuesday, with Kylian Mbappe inspiring France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal with two superb goals which made him Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer.

Little over an hour later, Haaland strode out for his first World Cup appearance and picked up the gauntlet thrown by Mbappe, nearly 18 months his senior, with a display full of desire, as well as the goals we have come to expect.

Norway manager Stale Solbakken said afterwards: “You can see he lived up to the occasion – it wasn’t too big for him.

“I had a good feeling before the game, the last training session was very good. I had a feeling he would do it for us today.”

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold added: “He’s just an amazing number nine. We dealt with him quite well for a lot of the game [but] at the end of the day he’s a top striker.

“Norway could shock a lot of people with the team they have. They could go a very long way.”

Arnold spoke to Haaland after the final whistle and revealed: “I just said to him: ‘You’re one of the best number nines I’ve ever seen.’ He’s so strong, so quick and he’s just lethal.”


BBC News

Views: 1

See also  West Ham: Amber Tysiak closing in on Union Berlin move

Check Also

Ireland hit four boundaries in final over to set England 119 to win

Watch Ireland hit four boundaries in the final over to push their total up to …

Jan Paul Van Hecke: Tottenham agree £52m deal with Brighton for defender

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £52m deal with Brighton for Dutch defender Jan Paul van …

World Cup 2026: Snakes causing concern in training camps

“In Germany, you worry about tactics, injuries, and your next opponent. Here, you also have …

Leave a Reply

Available for Amazon Prime
Heavy equipment transport st.