Norway manager explains decision to drop Erling Haaland despite needing a late goal against England
Norway manager Stale Solbakken revealed that he was forced to take off Erling Haaland during their 2-1 loss to England due to fitness issues.
Solbakken’s decision would lead to relief throughout the country, as the Three Lions were freed from the constant threat of Haaland.
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Of course, knocking out Norway’s all-time leading goalscorer and record-breaking machine came as a huge shock to all.
Haaland was the best player in the world championship in North America – he shot seven times.
But the Manchester City star was sent off in extra time early in the second half with Norway chasing a late equaliser.
And Solbakken has now explained why he had to make the switch, replacing him with Crystal Palace’s Jorgen Strand Larsen.
What did Solbakken say about leaving Haaland?
He said after the game: “It wasn’t a difficult decision to take him out, because he was done.
“Maybe I should have taken him out ten minutes earlier.
“Obviously he had an amazing World Cup, he used all his strength game by game.
“I think he also got a dead leg in the second half, which has to do with fatigue.
“But he did his best, I think he was unlucky in a few situations.
“But he scored seven goals for us in five games, he had a great World Cup.”
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With Norway eyeing the biggest goal in the dugout in the closing stages, England held on for victory – despite Thomas Tuchel not being too happy with the display.
England were forced to come from behind in Miami following Andreas Schjelderup’s 36th-minute goal, with Jude Bellingham equalizing on the stroke of half-time.
And the Real Madrid midfielder then fired home three minutes into added time to send England into their fourth World Cup semi-final.
‘That’s life’
As well as dealing with his decision to take Haaland to Miami, Solbakken reviewed Norway’s World Cup exit.
It was the nation’s first quarter-final in the tournament, but it ended bitterly with an overtime loss.
“I feel very sorry for the boys,” he said. “This is a very good ball – it gives you a lot of lift and a deep drop, depending on which side you’re on.
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“We were on the happy side against Brazil, but not today.
“After a tough opening 20 minutes, we produced a championship game in every way. I can’t fault the players or ask for more than they gave.”
The Norwegian manager went on to add: “We lack luck, but to live that, for now, we need to hold our breath.”
“We have been together for six and a half weeks as one family, and I am proud that we did what we expected and took another step forward in this World Cup.
“Regarding the Erling Haaland incident, there were a few moments that didn’t go our way today, but that’s football, in the end, we wish England all the best.”
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