Russian Haaland lookalike says viral video felt ‘like a dream’

Anastasia Kostromina, a Russian model, has become an internet sensation after a video showcasing her striking resemblance to Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland went viral. The 24-year-old posted a clip on Instagram earlier this month, highlighting not only their similar looks but also mimicking Haaland's signature mannerisms and facial expressions.

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At first, I did not even know what was happening, it felt like a dream.

The video quickly gained traction, accumulating 6.4 million likes and leaving Kostromina in disbelief. "At first, I did not even know what was happening, it felt like a dream," she told AFP in Moscow. "I never expected" the video to go so viral, she added, but expressed happiness with the outcome.

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But I’m happy about it anyway.

Haaland, 25, has been a prominent figure during the World Cup, scoring seven goals and helping Norway reach the quarter-finals. Kostromina, who is represented by Motion Model Management in Moscow, admitted to having mixed feelings when first told about the comparison to a male footballer. However, she has since embraced it with a sense of humor.

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At first, to be honest, I didn’t even understand how I could possibly resemble a male football player. But then I started to take it with a sense of humour and now I’m completely fine with it.

Kostromina, who supported Norway during the tournament, was disappointed by their loss in the quarter-finals. While Russia has been largely excluded from international sports, Kostromina expressed a wish for Haaland to see her viral video, perhaps even find it amusing.

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I was really rooting for them and was on the edge of my seat.