Haaland draws two out of ten from Norwegian press in nightmare World Cup warm-up return

Erling Haaland endured a difficult return to action as Norway drew 1-1 with Morocco in a World Cup warm-up in New Jersey on Sunday, managing just four touches in 72 minutes before being replaced by Crystal Palace striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The Manchester City forward had not played since the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on May 19, and the rust showed. His only shot of the afternoon was blocked, and Norwegian media were unsparing in their assessments. Dagbladet awarded him a two out of ten, writing: “The striker was invisible in the first half. He played himself up after the break, but this was actually a shockingly weak rehearsal.” TV2 gave him a three — the lowest rating of any Norway player on the pitch.

Haaland’s afternoon was further clouded by a visible on-pitch argument with one of the Norwegian team’s physios, an exchange that drew additional attention in the post-match coverage.

Norway head coach Stale Solbakken moved quickly to defend his striker. “He’s a player who feels it today. He needed those minutes. Without being rude to him, he saves himself five, 10, 15 per cent. Those explosions are coming,” Solbakken said.

The stakes are considerable for Norway this summer. It is the country’s first World Cup since 1998, and Haaland will be expected to be the central figure in their campaign. Norway’s tournament opens against Iraq in Boston on June 16, giving Haaland limited time to sharpen his form before the competitive action begins.