Erling Haaland fired Norway in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, but the striker was not let down. After scoring twice in Norway’s 3-2 win over Senegal on Tuesday, Haaland said the team should enjoy the moment rather than start talking about winning the tournament.The Manchester City striker now has four World Cup goals, level with France’s Kylian Mbappe and one behind Lionel Messi. Norway’s win also moves them to six points in Group I, alongside France, with the two sides meeting on Friday to decide the group winner.When asked to face France, Haaland responded with a dose of realism.“I don’t care, we’re done. They’re probably going to beat us and go and win the whole tournament.”Norway reached the knockout rounds of the World Cup in their first appearance at the tournament since 1998. Haaland, who has now scored 59 goals in 52 international games, said the achievement should be appreciated.Asked if this could become his World Cup, he said:“It depends on what you mean. To qualify for the first time in 28 years and pass the group stage, yes, I would say so.”“To win the World Cup, absolutely not. I think we are a bit realistic here, and we are happy, every Norwegian on the planet today.”Norway’s progress sparked celebrations among supporters. Before the match, fans gathered in Times Square and performed the famous Viking Row celebration, which has become a symbol of Norway’s World Cup campaign. After the victory, the players join the celebration on the pitch.Speaking about the moment, Haaland said: “It was crazy.”“Martin (Odegaard) and I talked a little bit about it before the match, about whether we should join if everything went like this? The way he did, and he did, so a pretty special moment I would say for all of Norway.”The 25-year-old likened the feeling to one of the biggest moments of his career.“I think it’s right with the biggest nights I’ve had? in my whole life. I have a bit of the same feeling? that I had? after the Champions League final (2023).With Norway already through to the knockout stage, attention now turns to their final group game against France, which will decide who will finish top of Group I.
