‘If it’s a free kick…’: Erling Haaland fumes over VAR call in World Cup exit

Norwegian Erling Haaland (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Erling Haaland’s dream World Cup debut came to an end on Saturday as Norway progressed in the quarter-finals, but the prolific striker believes the tournament has changed the landscape of football in his country. Norway’s remarkable campaign ended with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England, ending a run that had captured the imagination of fans around the world. Haaland was substituted with around 15 minutes remaining and watched from the bench as Jude Bellingham’s brace sent the Three Lions into the semi-finals. While Norway fell short of a place in the last four, Haaland finished the tournament with seven goals, establishing himself as one of the competition’s leading scorers. Reflecting on the journey, the Manchester City striker described the experience as unforgettable. “It was the most amazing six weeks I’ve had in my entire life,” Xinhua quoted the 25-year-old as saying. “It was absolutely crazy. It’s memories of a lifetime. It’s the funnest thing I’ve ever been a part of.” The quarterfinals proved particularly challenging, with the Miami players battling intense heat and humidity. Haaland admitted the conditions had taken their toll but refused to use them as an excuse for defeat. “It was tough. It was quite strange to play in that humidity,” Haaland said. “I don’t want to make excuses for anything. Quarterfinals are decided by small details and some situations 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 attacker did not agree with the decision. “I felt like they were pulling me the whole way and I think it was a soft decision,” Haaland said. “If it’s a free kick, then I should have a free kick in almost every duel in every single game. Despite the disappointment, Haaland believes the Norwegian’s performances left a lasting impact. The team’s progress to the quarterfinals, along with the popularity of the fans’ “Viking row” celebrations, made Norway one of the biggest stories of the tournament. The chant, performed by fans and players alike, became a viral sensation across social media and host cities throughout the competition. “The way we put Norway on the map is the one thing that touches me the most,” Haaland said. “I hope it will give young people in Norway the motivation that it is possible. It is possible to play on the biggest stage in the world wearing a Norway shirt.” The tournament also brought an emotional reunion with Bellingham, Haaland’s close friend and former Borussia Dortmund teammate. The England midfielder scored both goals that ended Norway’s World Cup dream. Still, Haaland had nothing but praise for his friend. “Jude is a good friend… He’s such a good guy,” Haaland said. “It doesn’t surprise me that he performed like that. England are lucky, (Real) Madrid are lucky because everyone would want Juda in their team.” Born in Leeds before the Norway international, Haaland admitted he will continue to follow England’s progress in the tournament. “I think I got the England shirt before I got the Norway shirt when I was young, so of course I want England to do well,” he said. Looking back on Norway’s campaign, Haaland believes the team has already achieved something significant by proving they can compete with the traditional football powerhouses. “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 behind him, Haaland is looking forward to a break after an emotionally draining six weeks. “I’m completely done now, I can safely say that,” concluded Haaland, looking forward to a quiet holiday after the emotional roller coaster. “It’s been so many impressions, so many feelings. I’m pretty happy with my life. I’m in a good place.”