Haaland eyes France decider: ‘I’ll definitely get criticism’

Erling Haaland has referred to as Norway’s World Cup marketing campaign “completely implausible” and defended captain Martin Odegaard after their 3-2 win over Senegal to arrange a showdown with France for the proper to prime Group I.

Having scored twice through the first half of his nation’s opening 4-1 win over Iraq, Haaland repeated the feat with a second-half double towards the Lions of Teranga to make sure he has scored two extra targets than any of his compatriots within the historical past of the match.

“It’s up there with the most important nights I’ve ever had in my whole life – each towards Iraq and [Senegal],” stated Haaland.

“We all know how vital Martin is to us; he’s our captain, so his place within the crew is a given. There’ll at all times be criticism.”

World Cup 2026: What criticism did Odegaard face in Norway?

Commentators in Norway are stated to have been unimpressed by Odegaard’s efficiency towards Iraq, with Reuters additionally describing the midfielder’s show as “showing off the tempo” and “failing to supply his standard artistic fluency”.

“Many gamers felt, after the Iraq sport, ​that they ⁠had extra to provide individually,” the outlet reported participant ⁠liaison officer Brede Hangeland to have stated.

“Martin could be utterly sincere about that, too. We anticipate that ⁠we ​will look stronger, each individually and ​collectively, within the subsequent match.”

Odegaard’s season for Premier League winners Arsenal was interrupted by bodily points together with two knee accidents, and Haaland stated the 27-year-old was going through acquainted stress for Norway’s gamers as they method their group finale towards France.

“If we play France now and I don’t rating towards France, I’m positively going to get criticised,” steered Haaland, who was the runaway Premier League prime scorer for Manchester Metropolis in 2025/26.

“That’s simply how it’s. I truthfully assume there are many others who discover and take note of that stuff far more than I do in relation to criticism.

“It’s actually the very last thing I care about. There’s not far more to say about it.”

World Cup 2026: Haaland on Norway vs Senegal

On their return to the finals following a 28-year absence, Norway have now gained extra matches than they ever have at a single version of the match.

“I’ve stated for a very long time that I wish to obtain issues with Norway,” stated Haaland. “I wish to qualify for the World Cup, the EURO and principally all the pieces there’s.

“It comes again to exhibiting that it’s attainable regardless of the place you come from. Wherever you come from, it’s attainable to play for the nationwide crew and play on the most important stage… if you happen to go searching you right here, it’s undeniably that.

“It’s completely implausible. Wanting up on the stands and seeing my mum and my entire household there means quite a bit.

“It’s enormous, and I hope they really feel the identical manner – which I’m certain they do. It’s very nice.”

Haaland stated the expertise was corresponding to turning into a European champion with Metropolis in 2023. “It’s the same form of feeling,” he mirrored.

“The Champions League last units the bar so excessive, so I’m simply extremely proud to be part of it.”

World Cup 2026 prime scorers: Haaland chases golden boot

A stellar forged of strikers are main the early top-scorer standings in a single key subplot thus far on the finals.

Hours earlier than Haaland struck once more, Argentina’s Lionel Messi added to his hat-trick on matchday one with one other two targets and Kylian Mbappe scored twice for a second successive match.

Germany’s Deniz Undav and Canada’s Jonathan David had been on three targets after two matches, whereas European golden shoe winner Harry Kane scored twice in England’s opening match.

Norway World Cup 2026 fixtures, schedule

Right here’s when Norway face France. Each groups are assured to advance, with Les Bleus profitable the group if the match is drawn.