Erling Haaland Leads Norway at World Cup as Key Player in Tough Group

Erling Haaland is set to be a key figure for Norway as they return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. The striker played a pivotal role in their flawless qualifying run, contributing 16 goals and twice defeating Italy along the way.

Norway's opening match will be against Iraq in Boston on Tuesday, kicking off a tough Group I, which also features reigning champions France and Senegal. Despite the stiff competition, Haaland remains the team's main weapon. His rise has been meteoric, from scoring nine goals in a 2019 Under-20 World Cup game to now gracing the biggest stage in football.

Hopefully he'll have a very big impact.

— Ståle Solbakken

Solbakken, Norway's coach and a former midfielder in their last World Cup squad, is banking on Haaland's abilities. The 58-year-old highlighted Haaland's recent achievements, including earning his third Premier League Golden Boot in just four seasons with Manchester City and an impressive international tally of 55 goals in 50 appearances.

He's our goalscorer. I think he's the world's best goalscorer. He's physically fit, he was given a little bit of a break towards the end of the season.

— Ståle Solbakken

He added that Haaland's training performance has improved steadily since arrival and expressed hope that the team will provide the service needed to capitalize on his scoring talent.

I think gradually he has played better and better in training here. I think he's where he wants to be and hopefully the team can also give him the service he needs to score goals. If you give Erling chances, he has a tendency to score, so hopefully that continues.

— Ståle Solbakken

The opening fixture against Iraq is not to be underestimated, especially with the Middle Eastern nation making their first World Cup appearance in four decades. Solbakken acknowledged the strength of their group and the importance of starting with a victory.

We are in a very competitive group, maybe the hardest of all. If you can start with three points then maybe you are on your way. You can't hide that it's a very important game.

— Ståle Solbakken

Reflecting on the occasion, Solbakken said leading the team out after such a long absence is a special moment for everyone involved.

For every citizen, to lead out his country in a game like this, especially after 28 years of hurt, that is perhaps the top thing, the number one thing on the list.

— Ståle Solbakken