Norway cruised to a 4–1 victory over Estonia on Thursday, virtually securing their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Only a defeat to Italy by more than nine goals on the final matchday would send them into the playoff round.
The star of the match was once again Erling Haaland. The 25-year-old striker scored twice, reaching an extraordinary total of 30 goals this season. Alexander Sorloth, the Atlético de Madrid forward, netted the other two goals for Stale Solbakken’s side.
However, the most curious moment of the night came after the match. Cameras captured Haaland and a member of Norway’s staff carrying a delivery of nearly 70 cheeseburgers as they headed toward the dressing room, ready to distribute them to the squad.
Sander Berge, one of Haaland’s teammates, joked when he saw the photo: “Great performance from the captain,” he said with a laugh.
Erling Haaland
Daily Mail
Erling Haaland
Daily Mail
Erling Haaland
Daily Mail
Haaland has scored in each of his last four matches for club and country. He acknowledged that he is experiencing the best form of his career. “I feel like this is the best version of myself. I’ve never felt better than I do right now,” he said.
The striker also praised his manager, Pep Guardiola. “He’s a genius. There’s a reason I’ve won so much, and it’s thanks to his hard work. Just look at everything he has accomplished with this club and throughout his career — it’s fantastic. We have to listen to him: he tells us what to do and how to play. We must perform at our highest level because he deserves that as well,” Haaland added.