Erling Haaland scored two goals to guide Norway to a historic 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal berth with a win over Brazil on Sunday.
The 25-year-old Manchester City forward has now netted seven goals in the tournament, according to Yahoo Sports.
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Haaland on Pressure and Expectations
In a previous interview with GQ magazine, Haaland said his big goal since his international debut in 2019 has been to get Norway to a World Cup and Euros.
He acknowledged the pressure but said he likes it, adding that he would put a lot of pressure on himself if he weren't himself.
Former Norway striker Jan Åge Fjørtoft, now an ESPNFC pundit, analyzed Haaland's development, noting that the 6-foot-5 forward has always had a strong instinct for goals.
Fjørtoft highlighted that Haaland has improved his heading, hold-up play, and two-footed ability over the past seven to eight years, showing constant development.
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The pundit also emphasized Haaland's growth as a leader, saying he has always been popular in dressing rooms and that his leadership has been brilliant.
Fjørtoft concluded that Haaland is the ideal person to handle pressure, as he has managed not to let it affect him.
Haaland credited former manager Pep Guardiola for never stopping teaching him, making greatness feel normal.
According to NDTV Sports, Haaland stands 1.95 meters tall, weighs 94 kilograms, and can sprint at speeds exceeding 36 km/h.
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His performances have also inspired social media trends, including comparisons to the anime character Majin Buu.
