Norway’s natural-born goalscorer Haaland finally gets global stage
LONDON: Erling Haaland propelled Norway back to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and spearheads a golden generation ready to thrive on the global stage. Despite a tough draw alongside one of the tournament favorites France, African powerhouses Senegal and Iraq, a Norway side also containing Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is confident of progressing beyond the last 16 for the first time. Odegaard’s injury troubles left Haaland to take the lead in a flawless qualification campaign. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times as Stale Solbakken’s men plundered 37 goals in eight consecutive wins. That included two thrashings of Italy that ultimately cost the Azzurri a place at the World Cup. “I’ve never experienced Norway being at the World Cup in my life, so I think it was about time,” Haaland told FIFA.com. “For me personally, it is a huge thing. I have said it for a long time, my big goal is to get Norway to the World Cup...
