Norwegian press savage 'shockingly weak' Haaland after Norway draw, but Solbakken backs his striker

Erling Haaland endured a bruising reception from the Norwegian press after his country drew 1-1 with Morocco in a World Cup warm-up in New Jersey on Sunday, with head coach Stale Solbakken moving quickly to defend his striker following the performance.

Haaland, who scored 38 goals for Manchester City this season — including 27 in the Premier League to claim the Golden Boot — started the match but was substituted after 72 minutes having managed just four touches of the ball and a single blocked shot. He also appeared to have a disagreement with one of the team’s physios during the game.

The reaction from Norway’s media was swift and unsparing. Dagsbladet awarded Haaland 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 were only marginally more generous, handing him a three out of ten — the lowest rating they gave any Norway player on the night.

Solbakken, however, was not alarmed. “He’s a player who feels it today,” the Norway head coach said after the match. “He needed those minutes. Without being rude to him, he saves himself five, 10, 15 per cent. Those explosions are coming.”

The draw was Haaland’s first appearance since scoring in City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on May 19, after which he was rested for the final Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.

The stakes for Norway are considerable. This is the first time the country has qualified for the World Cup since 1998, and expectations have been raised by what many describe as a golden generation. Haaland is joined in the squad by Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, former City winger Oscar Bobb and RB Leipzig forward Antonio Nusa.

Norway have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Iraq. They open their campaign against Iraq in Boston on June 16, a fixture Solbakken’s side will be expected to win if they are to advance to the round of 32.