Why England should fear Haaland after Norway’s World Cup fairytale

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history. The Manchester City striker broke the deadlock in the 79th minute before adding a second 11 minutes later, a low drive from outside the box, to seal the win at the weekend. Haaland finished level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings with seven goals. His brace against Brazil moved him closer to the tournament’s scoring charts, where he now sits alongside the established stars of the competition. The Norway forward had just four touches inside the box during the last-16 tie, yet still found the net twice. His first goal came from a header, while the second was a clinical strike from distance, underlining his reputation as one of the most clinical strikers in world football. Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin described Haaland’s winning goal as something unseen elsewhere in the game. “You don’t see any other player doing that,” Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “There was not a chance there. There wasn’t a half chance, quarter chance. Nothing.” Former England striker Ian Wright echoed the sentiment, highlighting Haaland’s efficiency. “People constantly talk about how many touches he has,” Wright said. “He didn’t have to have a lot of touches.” His goals secured Norway’s historic victory over Brazil, a side making their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Ståle Solbakken’s side now stand three wins away from an unlikely world title after beating Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling last-16 encounter. Haaland’s presence has transformed Norway’s campaign, with the forward delivering on the biggest stage.

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Haaland has scored 62 goals in 54 senior internationals for Norway, averaging a goal every 71 minutes. Only six of those goals have been penalties, showcasing his all-round finishing ability. His recent form includes 27 goals in 14 competitive appearances, a run that stretches back to October 2024. Former England defender Gary Neville acknowledged Haaland’s impact on the global stage. “Sometimes it's said 'he's never done it on the world stage' and that's now been removed,” Neville said. Haaland has delivered with seven goals in four games at this tournament, including doubles against Iraq and Senegal in the group stage. His battle with Brazil’s Gabriel added another layer to the narrative. Haaland had limited touches inside the box before halftime but dominated the second half, scoring both goals. Gabriel was a spectator for the second, unable to prevent Haaland’s strike. Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson described Haaland’s influence as moment-driven. “Does he ever have many touches? Not really,” Upson said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “This is how he plays and it is moments. Key moments when he turns up.”

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Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock added context to Haaland’s style. “I think he has averaged 14 touches a goal, which tells you everything about him,” Warnock said. “But what he does is he makes unselfish runs in behind, he pins defenders and allows that midfield area to get up.” Haaland himself reflected on his form, calling it a “new peak.” “I peaked a couple of times in this tournament, but every now and then I get a new peak,” he said. “If I have a chance or two, then very often I score.” The victory over Brazil was described as one of the most significant days in Norwegian football history. Thousands of supporters gathered outside the stadium, draped in Viking helmets and waving red flags, embodying the belief that this team could compete with anyone.