By Bilal Ahmed
Erling Haaland delivered a crucial goal for Norway in their World Cup Round of 32 match against Ivory Coast, securing a 2-1 victory and advancing his team to face Brazil. The goal, scored late in the game, came after Haaland had been largely contained for much of the match, highlighting his ability to impact games with a single opportunity.
Norway initially took the lead in the first half, but Ivory Coast equalized, setting the stage for Haaland’s decisive moment. His goal, described as a somewhat stunned effort, ensured Norway’s progression in the tournament.
Haaland’s remarkable scoring record
Haaland’s performance in the World Cup has further underscored his exceptional goalscoring capabilities. He now holds the same number of international goals as Kylian Mbappe but achieved this feat in 48 fewer games. While Mbappe has scored many of his goals in significant tournament settings, Haaland is beginning to establish his own legacy on the international stage.
His goal-per-game ratio at the international level is notable, surpassing even the records of players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. At 25 years old, Haaland is considered to be entering his prime, with expectations that Norway’s national team will build a strong supporting cast around him to maintain his scoring pace.
This World Cup marks a significant milestone for Haaland, as he was not yet born when Norway last participated in the tournament in 1998. His debut in the 2026 World Cup has seen him demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the most dangerous strikers globally.
In his World Cup debut against Iraq, Haaland scored two goals, followed by another two-goal performance against Senegal. Coach Ståle Solbakken opted to rest Haaland during the final group-stage match against France to ensure his freshness for the knockout rounds.
The goal against Ivory Coast, which came in the 86th minute from an assist involving Oscar Bobb and Patrick Berg, brought Haaland’s tournament tally to five goals. This places him in contention for the World Cup Golden Boot, closely trailing Lionel Messi, who has six goals, and competing with Kylian Mbappé.
A family legacy in football
Erling Haaland’s football journey is deeply intertwined with his family’s sporting background. His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, also played for Manchester City, as well as Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, and represented the Norwegian national team. Erling Haaland was born in Leeds, England, during his father’s time with Leeds United, and grew up supporting the club.
The Haaland family’s football history also includes a notable incident involving Alf-Inge Haaland and Roy Keane. A controversial tackle by Keane on Alf-Inge in a 2001 Manchester derby, which Keane later admitted was an act of revenge, remains a talked-about feud in football history.
Haaland’s athletic abilities are also attributed to his mother’s side of the family; Gry Marita Braut, his mother, was an elite Norwegian heptathlon athlete and a national champion. This combination of strength, pace, and physical conditioning is a hallmark of his family’s sporting tradition.
Haaland’s move to Manchester City in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund for approximately €60 million marked a significant point in his career. In his first season with City, he played a key role in their historic treble win, securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. He also set a new record for the most goals in a single Premier League campaign, scoring 36 times.
Since joining Manchester City, Haaland has scored 88 goals in his first 100 Premier League matches, surpassing Alan Shearer’s record. He reached the 100-goal milestone in 111 games, beating Shearer’s record of 124 matches. In the Champions League, he became the fastest player to score 50 goals, achieving this in 49 appearances. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, he has solidified his reputation as a reliable goalscorer.
With Norway set to face Brazil in the Round of 16, Haaland continues to build upon his family’s legacy on the World Cup stage.
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Source: marca.com
