Solbakken defends Haaland substitution as England end Norway's World Cup run

England eliminated Norway 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday in South Florida, ending Erling Haaland’s tournament with a whimper as the Manchester City striker was substituted off in the final 15 minutes of extra time — and Jude Bellingham, his former Borussia Dortmund teammate, scored both goals to seal the win.

Haaland, who had scored seven times in four appearances heading into the match, was kept off the scoresheet for the first time in the tournament. He managed just two shot attempts, one on goal, and was largely anonymous after the first half as England’s game plan — shaped in part by players who know him well from club football — focused on denying him the ball.

Norway coach Ståle Solbakken was unequivocal in defending the decision to withdraw his star forward. “It was not a tough decision to take him out,” Solbakken said. “He was finished. Maybe I should have taken him out 10 minutes before. He also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue. He did everything he could.”

The game was played in punishing conditions, with a heat index exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), and Haaland acknowledged afterward that his energy had been completely drained. “This has been an insane journey,” he said.

While England’s tactical discipline neutralised him on the day, Haaland’s impact on the tournament as a whole was undeniable. The striker had arrived in the United States already one of the sport’s biggest names, but his performances — combined with his physical presence, distinctive blond hair, and personality — elevated him to a broader cultural prominence. “I think this has changed my life, to be honest,” he said.

Haaland remained on the pitch for several minutes after the final whistle, saluting Norway’s supporters following what was the country’s deepest World Cup run in its history. Bellingham and Haaland shared a brief embrace before the Norwegian made his way to the locker room.

“I think we put Norway on the map,” Haaland said.

With Haaland still in his mid-twenties, Norway will be considered genuine contenders to go deep again when the 2030 World Cup arrives.