Erling Haaland has fired Norway into the World Cup knockout rounds — but even after another sensational performance, the Manchester City striker has made a brutally honest admission about who he believes could win the tournament.
Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal was one of the biggest nights in the country’s modern football history. Haaland scored twice, Martin Ødegaard pulled the strings, and Norway secured their place in the knockout stage for the first time in 28 years.
For a nation returning to the World Cup spotlight after such a long wait, it was a moment of pure joy.
But Haaland was not getting carried away.
After the match, he was asked about Norway’s upcoming clash with France, a game that will decide top spot in Group I. Instead of delivering the usual confident footballer answer, Haaland was refreshingly direct.
He admitted France are probably going to beat Norway — and even suggested they are likely to win the whole World Cup.
It was a surprising comment from a player who has already scored four goals in the tournament and is fighting for the Golden Boot. But Haaland’s words seemed less like surrender and more like realism. France have looked ruthless, with Kylian Mbappé in electric form and their squad depth once again making them one of the most feared teams in the competition.
Haaland still believes that France are the tournament favourites (Picture: Getty)
Still, Norway have reasons to believe.
Haaland is in devastating form. Ødegaard is creating chances. Antonio Nusa and the supporting cast have given Norway pace, energy and confidence. Their wins over Iraq and Senegal have shown they are not just happy to be here — they can hurt strong opponents.
The France match will be different. It will test Norway’s defensive discipline, mentality and ability to survive long spells without the ball. But if Haaland gets even one clear chance, anything can happen.
That is what makes his admission so interesting.
He knows France are favourites. He knows Norway are underdogs. Yet his own presence changes the equation completely.
This is the beauty of tournament football: the favourite may be obvious, but one striker can rewrite the script.
France may be Haaland’s pick to win it all.
But Norway still have Haaland — and that means nobody can relax.
