After the World Cup upset against Brazil, Erling Haaland sends a clear message to the next generation: Be proud of Norway—and dream of playing for the Norwegian national team.
After Norway's historic 2–1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup, the focus turned to Erling Haaland, the Norwegian national team's star forward, is not primarily focused on the opponents—but rather on the country's children and young people, according to reports from, among others, NRK.
– When people start playing soccer in Norway, that should be the first thing that comes to mind—that you want to play for Norway. That you feel that pride.
The star forward says Norway needs to build the same sense of pride around its national team that he feels Brazil has.
– That’s something we need to cultivate, because playing for Norway is a big deal. You see it with the Brazilians. They’re willing to die for the jersey. They dream of playing for Brazil when they’re young. I didn’t think about it that much when I was young, to be completely honest.
At the same time, Haaland believes that something has changed.
– I actually think we’ve gained a little courage now. I hope that all the young people watching this interview—when you get a little older—will agree with me: that this is the proudest thing you’ll ever do in your entire lives. Because this is completely crazy.
The comments came after Haaland scored two goals and led Norway to a historic World Cup quarterfinal against England.
Yes, Norway has that, and Sweden (not in soccer) but in active clubs—that is, clubs that compete for Sweden.