Norway returns to World Cup after 28 years with unprecedented family connection in Haaland, Sørloth, Thorstvedt trio

Norway's return to the World Cup after a 28-year hiatus was marked by a dominant 4-1 victory over Iraq, but the match etched an unprecedented chapter in the tournament's history. For the first time, the sons of three players from a previous Norwegian World Cup squad shared the field.

Erling Haaland, son of Alf-Inge Haaland, and Alexander Sørloth, son of Goran Sørloth, started the match. Kristian Thorstvedt, son of Erik Thorstvedt, joined them in the 73rd minute. This remarkable coincidence echoes the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where their fathers were teammates on the Norwegian squad.

Haaland, the Manchester City striker, celebrated his World Cup debut with a brace. Sørloth, his attacking partner, was substituted shortly after Thorstvedt entered the game. Thorstvedt was involved in Norway's final goal, an own goal by Iraq's Aymen Hussein, which was initiated by a header from Haaland.

In 1994, Norway's squad included Alf-Inge Haaland, Goran Sørloth, and Erik Thorstvedt. They competed in a tough group alongside Mexico, the Republic of Ireland, and Italy. Despite finishing with four points, equal with their opponents, Norway was eliminated on goal difference. The team's campaign ended with a sense of missed opportunity, having shown competitive spirit but ultimately falling short.

Erik Thorstvedt, the goalkeeper, played all three matches at 31. Alf-Inge Haaland, then 21, featured in the first two games as a right-back but missed the last due to yellow cards. Goran Sørloth, also 31, played as a striker in the final group match. Now, three decades later, their sons carry the torch, aiming to surpass their fathers' legacy on the world stage.

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My father always talked about that World Cup.