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🇫🇷 France /Sports

Norwegian player Sorloth receives death threats after World Cup miss

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Norwegian footballer Alexander Sorloth received death threats after missing a crucial chance in a World Cup quarter-final match against England.
  • The missed opportunity occurred when Norway was leading 2-0, and Sorloth chose to shoot instead of passing to teammate Erling Haaland.
  • Sorloth's partner and the Norwegian coach have condemned the online harassment and urged players to stay off social media.

Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth is facing a barrage of death threats and online abuse following a missed scoring opportunity during his country's World Cup quarter-final exit against England. The 30-year-old Atletico Madrid player squandered a clear chance to put Norway up 2-0 in the 44th minute of the match, which Norway ultimately lost 2-1 in extra time.

It's hard. There are things I would have liked to have done better, but I know other opportunities will arise. Of course, it's difficult when it's such an important match.

— Alexander SorlothSorloth's reaction after Norway's World Cup elimination.

The critical moment saw Sorloth on a two-on-one breakaway with teammate Erling Haaland against a lone English defender. Instead of passing to the Manchester City star, Sorloth opted to go for goal himself, ultimately failing to convert. This missed chance has been cited by some Norwegian supporters as a key reason for the team's elimination from the tournament.

Sorloth himself expressed disappointment after the match, stating, "It's hard. There are things I would have liked to have done better, but I know other opportunities will arise. Of course, it's difficult when it's such an important match." However, the missed opportunity has led to severe online harassment, with Sorloth reportedly receiving death threats on social media platforms.

The World Cup and football bring a lot of joy, but also a lot of hate. I would prefer not to pay attention to it, but faced with comments like these, I have no choice.

— Lena SelnasSorloth's partner denouncing online hate.

His partner, Lena Selnas, publicly denounced the hateful messages, saying, "The World Cup and football bring a lot of joy, but also a lot of hate. I would prefer not to pay attention to it, but faced with comments like these, I have no choice." Norwegian national team coach Stale Solbakken also addressed the issue, advising his players, particularly those like Sorloth, to avoid social media during such high-stakes tournaments.

That is why I advise the boys to stay away from social media. Especially players like these.

— Stale SolbakkenNorwegian coach advising players to avoid social media.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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