‘We put Norway on the map’, says Haaland after World Cup exit

Despite Norway's World Cup exit in the quarterfinals after a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England, striker Erling Haaland said the team's performance has inspired a new generation and placed Norway firmly "on the map."

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How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most.

Haaland, who failed to score for the first time in 15 competitive international matches, had netted seven goals in four games leading up to the quarter-final. His tournament run included a brace against Brazil in the Round of 16. "How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most," Haaland stated, hoping this success motivates young Norwegians to believe in playing on the world stage.

The Manchester City striker, who is enjoying soaring global popularity, hopes Norway can build on this achievement. "It's kind of difficult to take in this kind of a show or rollercoaster that we've been in now for the last six weeks," he admitted. "I think this changes Norway, I think it changes me. I've said it many times, we're building on something in Norway."

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Hopefully now we can establish something when it comes to Euros, World Cups and everything because our generation is amazing and also all this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it’s possible to play a big stage in the world with a Norwegian shirt.

Reflecting on his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham, who scored both goals for England, Haaland praised the midfielder. "I think he's one of the best in the world and he's a midfielder. He still scores goals, he still manages to dribble every single player on the field. England is lucky because everybody would want a Jude in the team."

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It’s kind of difficult to take in this kind of a show or rollercoaster that we’ve been in now for the last six weeks.

Norway's coach, Stale Solbakken, explained that Haaland was substituted in extra time due to fatigue and a dead leg, exacerbated by the Miami heat. "It was not a tough decision to take him out because he was finished and maybe I should take him out before," Solbakken said.

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I think this changes Norway, I think it changes me. I’ve said it many times, we’re building on something in Norway.