Erling Haaland has scored seven goals at this World Cup, one more than England captain Harry Kane, and on Saturday in Miami the two strikers will lead their nations into a quarter-final that has captivated both countries. For the small Norwegian town of Bryne, where Haaland grew up, the match is a moment of collective pride. “We are proud of the little boy who has grown into a huge Viking,” said Andreas Vollusund, the town’s mayor and Haaland’s former schoolteacher. “Now Bryne is the capital of Norway, not Oslo.” Hundreds will gather in the central square to watch an outdoor broadcast, and Olinda Haaland – no relation – said her fabric shop has sold out of retro World Cup shirts from 1998, the last time Norway qualified. “It’s been pure joy,” she said. “We all love him so much.”
Norway have exceeded expectations, finishing second in Group I before knocking out Ivory Coast and Brazil, scoring 12 goals in five games. Their build-up play is varied: from goal-kicks, goalkeeper Orjan Nyland often plays short with a back four and two holding midfielders, but when that is not possible he launches long diagonal balls to 6ft 5in Alexander Sorloth on the right wing. England left-back Nico O’Reilly, himself 6ft 4in, will have to be alert to that threat. Tactically, England could employ a man-to-man press, but that would leave Haaland one-on-one with a defender. Dropping off risks being too pragmatic, a criticism Thomas Tuchel has sought to avoid.
“Norway's Erling Haaland faces England in World Cup quarter-final as his hometown Bryne celebrates his rise.”
England are favourites, but the underdog tag suits Norway. Kane, who has six goals at the tournament, dismissed comparisons with Haaland. “I think we are completely different players,” he said. “Erling has been incredible, his goalscoring record, physically he’s a machine, he’s a beast. I like to maybe touch the ball a little bit more.” Kane also warned of Norway’s collective strength: “They’re really well coached, it’s our job to find weaknesses within the structure, they are riding this wave, they are confident and free.” England have injury concerns: defender Marc Guehi is a doubt for the game and midfielder Declan Rice has been ill with a bug. Haaland, meanwhile, still pops up regularly in Bryne, donates football equipment and has bought a rare 16th-century book of Viking sagas for the local library. On Saturday, the town will watch him try to lead Norway past England and into the semi-finals.