Erling Haaland reserves his most entertaining clips for Snapchat. Norway’s number nine, fresh from another decisive two-goal performance that eliminated Brazil from the World Cup, uploaded overnight snippets that appeared to show a celebration on the team bus. Haaland was ecstatic, swaying in the aisle and belting out a largely forgotten summer track by French DJ Kungs. The refrain declares, “We are never going home.”
Eventually Norway will return home, potentially as soon as Saturday when they face England in a World Cup quarter-final in Miami. Yet it’s undeniable that the nation, the squad, the fans, and their talisman have fully embraced their American adventure. From the longboat rowing spectacle, to collecting cowboy attire (a T-shirt reading “Y’all can kiss my Dallas”), to Haaland’s theatrical pose of soaking it all in—hands on hips, gazing toward the skyline with an amused grin—they are relishing every moment.
Pay attention to the managers at this tournament, especially when they rally their sides before a match, and you’ll notice each one weaves a story of fate. For the United States, it’s been “why not us?”, urging belief in their abilities. The French emphasize collective strength (perhaps to offset a past of individual flair). For England, the theme is steadily becoming one of grit through hardship. Such narratives abound, but Norway stand apart with their commitment to staying cheerful—and it’s clearly infectious.
This doesn’t mean Norway lack seriousness on the pitch; far from it, as Carlo Ancelotti’s disjointed Brazil discovered. Much of Norway’s statistical profile sits mid-table in this competition, but they excel in specific areas: 20th in average possession, 14th for touches in the opposing penalty area, 38th out of 48 teams for interceptions. Yet they rank fourth for big chances created and fifth for expected goals. They are structured, attentive, and follow a distinct tactical plan—one designed almost exclusively to feed Haaland.
Norway also benefit from Ståle Solbakken, a Norwegian who deeply grasps the national character, while also being a top-tier coach with a track record of defying expectations in the Champions League at FC Copenhagen. Against Brazil, Solbakken shone. His first-half lineup effectively neutralized Brazil’s danger by controlling possession. At the break, he aimed to sharpen his attack by swapping both wingers for players he described as “more comfortable playing in tight spaces,” introducing Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup for Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa.
Norway’s objective was to channel their primary threat through a fresh approach, carefully constructing chances for Haaland. The first goal, a powerful header, stemmed from an outstanding dribble and delivery by Schjelderup. He gained extra room because he held the ball long enough for David Møller Wolfe to make an underlapping burst from left-back. That patience provided the time and space to engineer yet another major opportunity, one Haaland pounced on, overpowering Gabriel Magalhães.
Cutting off supply to the Viking wide men will undoubtedly be a priority for England next weekend, although Miami’s heat—almost sure to exceed 30°C—will prevent the match from mirroring a Premier League showdown. England are well aware of Haaland’s danger and know many of the other Norwegian players. They’ll also feel unburdened after their Azteca triumph. But Norway will take the field without apprehension, having already surpassed expectations, and they’ll do it with smiles on their faces.
One final statistic reveals something significant about Haaland and this Norwegian team. Among 48 sides, they sit third for big chances squandered. That can only happen if you generate plenty of clear-cut opportunities, but it also highlights that Haaland is human. He typically has a few sighters each match, and as seen during his recent club campaign with Manchester City, he’ll spurn simpler chances before converting harder ones. He is fallible yet formidable. Whatever the result, his demeanour and mindset stay steady, almost serene. Haaland will remain grounded right up until the tournament’s end, and just like after Sunday’s victory, he’ll be tooting his own horn.
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