Erling Haaland fired Norway into the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, but the striker is not getting carried away. After scoring twice in Norway’s 3-2 win over Senegal on Tuesday, Haaland said the team should enjoy the moment instead of talking about winning the tournament.The Manchester City forward now has four goals at the World Cup, level with France’s Kylian Mbappe and one behind Lionel Messi. Norway’s win also moves them to six points in Group I, along with France, with the two sides meeting on Friday to decide the group winner.When asked about the meeting with France, Haaland answered with a touch of realism.“I don’t care, we’re through. They’ll probably beat us and win the whole tournament.”Norway reached the knockout round of the World Cup in their first appearance at the tournament since 1998. Haaland, who has now scored 59 goals in 52 international games, said the achievement should be cherished.When asked if this could become his World Cup, he said:“Depends on what you mean by that. To qualify for the first time in 28 years and get through the group stage, yes, I’d say.”“Winning the World Cup, absolutely not. I think let’s be a little realistic and be happy, every Norwegian on the planet today.”Norway’s progress sparked celebrations among fans. Before the game, fans gathered in Times Square and performed the now famous Viking Row celebration, which has become a symbol of Norway’s World Cup campaign. After the victory, the players joined the celebration on the field.Speaking about the moment, Haaland said: “It was crazy.”“Martin (Odegaard) and I had a bit of a chat about it before the game, about whether we should join if everything goes as it is, and it is, so it’s a pretty special moment, I’d say for all of Norway.”The 25-year-old compared that feeling to one of the greatest moments of his career.“I think it’s up there with the biggest nights I’ve had ?in my entire life. I have a bit of the same feeling ?I had ?after the (2023) Champions League final (win). It’s unbelievably big. I’m unbelievably proud and all that.”With Norway already through to the knockout stages, attention now turns to their final group game against France, which will decide who will finish top of Group I.
