Erling Haaland’s dream FIFA World Cup The debut ended on Saturday when Norway bowed out in the quarterfinals, but the prolific striker believes the tournament has changed his country’s football standing. Norway’s remarkable campaign ended with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England, ending a run that has captured the imagination of fans around the world. Haaland was substituted with 15 minutes remaining and watched from the bench as Jude Bellingham’s brace sent the Three Lions into the semifinals. While Norway missed out on a place in the last four, Haaland finished the tournament with seven goals and established himself among the competition’s top scorers. Reflecting on the journey, the Manchester City forward described the experience as unforgettable. “This has been the coolest six weeks I’ve had in my entire life,” the 25-year-old was quoted by Xinhua. “It’s absolutely crazy. It’s memories of a lifetime. It’s the most fun thing I’ve ever been a part of.” The quarterfinal proved to be particularly tough, with the players battling intense heat and humidity in Miami. Haaland admitted that the conditions were bad but refused to use it as an excuse for the defeat. “It’s tough. It’s very special to play in that humidity,” Haaland said. “I don’t want to make any excuses. The quarterfinals are decided by small details, and we had some situations that went against us.” One of the key talking points came when Norway had a goal disallowed after a VAR review penalized Haaland for a foul on England midfielder Elliot Anderson. The striker did not agree with the decision. “I felt like I was being pulled the whole way, and I think it was a slow decision,” Haaland said. “If that’s a free kick, then I should have a free kick in almost every duel in every single match.” Despite the disappointment, Haaland believes the performances in Norway left a lasting impact. The team’s run to the quarterfinals, combined with the popularity of the supporters’ “Viking row” celebrations, made Norway one of the tournament’s biggest stories. The song, performed by fans and players, became a viral sensation on social media and the host city throughout the competition. “The way we put Norway on the map is the one thing that touched me the most,” Haaland said. “I hope it will inspire young people back in Norway that it is possible. It is possible to play on the biggest stage in the world with a Norwegian t-shirt.” The tournament also featured an emotional reunion with Bellingham, Haaland’s close friend and former teammate at Borussia Dortmund. The England midfielder scored two goals that ended Norway’s World Cup dream. But Haaland has nothing but praise for his friend. “Jude is a good friend … He’s a good person,” Haaland said. “I’m not surprised he performed the way he did. England are lucky, [Real] Madrid are lucky, because everyone wants a Jew in their team. Born in Leeds before representing Norway internationally, Haaland admitted he will continue to follow England’s progress in the tournament. “I think I got an England jersey before I got a Norway jersey when I was young, so of course, I want England to do well,” he said. Looking back on the campaign in Norway, Haaland believes that the team has achieved something important by proving that it can compete with the traditional powers of football. “I’ve said it many times, we’re building something in Norway. I think it’s already built,” he said. “We showed that it is possible to beat one of the biggest footballing nations in the world, Brazil. We gave England a good fight.” With the tournament now behind him, Haaland is looking forward to a break after an emotionally draining six weeks. “I’m completely done today, I can safely say that,” Haaland concluded, looking ahead to a quiet holiday after the emotional rollercoaster. “Many impressions, many feelings. I’m very happy with my life. I’m in a good place.”