Goalkeeper's tears after World Cup exit highlight Norway's heartbreak

Norway's World Cup dreams were dashed in a heartbreaking quarterfinal loss to England, with goalkeeper Ørjan Håskjold Nyland bearing the brunt of the team's elimination. Nyland, who had been hailed as a hero for his pivotal saves in the previous match against Brazil, found himself in tears after a costly error in extra time.

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It's a shot that comes from distance, but it's quite central. I felt I could have saved it, and in hindsight, I should perhaps have just pushed it away. It's a choice I have to make in a short time. Not all balls are easy. That's just how it is.

The match was tied 1-1 when, just three minutes into extra time, Morgan Rogers took a shot from 20 yards. Nyland's parry fell directly to Jude Bellingham, who scored, giving England the lead. "It's a shot that comes from distance, but it's quite central. I felt I could have saved it, and in hindsight, I should perhaps have just pushed it away," Nyland told VG after the game. "It's a choice I have to make in a short time. Not all balls are easy. That's just how it is."

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There are many emotions, and it's tough. That's goalkeeping, unfortunately. Sometimes you're in heaven, and other times you're way down.

A visibly dejected Nyland left the field, acknowledging the emotional toll. "There are many emotions, and it's tough. That's goalkeeping, unfortunately. Sometimes you're in heaven, and other times you're way down," he said. Despite his personal anguish, Nyland was met with a wave of support. Players immediately offered comfort, and national team coach Ståle Solbakken embraced him. Images of Nyland crying while embracing his family in the stands, and the outpouring of support on social media, have touched many.

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It's absolutely fantastic. I appreciate everyone. Everyone who has cheered for us and supported us since day one. Everyone who has been here, and everyone back in Norway. It has been absolutely fantastic.

"It's absolutely fantastic. I appreciate everyone. Everyone who has cheered for us and supported us since day one. Everyone who has been here, and everyone back in Norway. It has been absolutely fantastic," Nyland said, acknowledging the support. When asked if he could find any joy amidst the disappointment, he replied, "Not right now, but when things are a little more distant, maybe."

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Not right now, but when things are a little more distant, maybe.