Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has faced harsh criticism following his performance in Norway’s goalless draw against Kazakhstan in the Nations League.
Disappointing Display in Nations League Opener
Haaland, who has been in excellent form for Manchester City, struggled to transfer his Premier League success to the international stage. Though Norway controlled the match with 70% possession, they failed to convert their dominance into goals, managing only two shots on target.
Former Norway boss Egil Olsen was particularly disappointed, stating in an interview with TV2, “We have two world-class players in the team. Today Erling Braut Haaland was unfortunately far below par. It’s one of the worst things I’ve seen from Haaland.”
Haaland attempted four shots, yet none found the back of the net, mirroring the fate of his teammate Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian team, ranked 59 places above Kazakhstan in FIFA rankings, failed to live up to expectations, leading to widespread criticism.
Norway’s Struggles on the International Stage
The match against Kazakhstan highlighted ongoing issues for Haaland on the international front. Despite 31 goals in 33 caps, the 24-year-old striker has yet to secure a major tournament appearance with Norway. His stellar league form, marked by netting two hat-tricks in the first three games of the new Premier League season, makes his struggle in international matches all the more puzzling.
Upcoming Challenges for Norway
Haaland and his teammates will have a chance to redeem themselves against Austria on Monday, with Slovenia rounding out their group in League B. The match against Kazakhstan was seen as a missed opportunity, especially given Norway’s high ranking relative to their opponents.
Manchester City’s European Ambitions
While Haaland aims to lead Norway to the 2026 World Cup, his club, Manchester City, has its sights set on reclaiming the European crown. The upcoming Champions League season is crucial for Pep Guardiola and his squad, particularly as they navigate a new tournament format that includes 36 teams in a giant mini-league.
City fans can follow the team’s journey through the Manchester Evening News’s comprehensive Champions League guide, available for worldwide delivery.
Haaland’s ability to shake off international setbacks and focus on club successes will be crucial as City aims to dominate both domestic and European competitions. Despite recent criticism, Haaland’s potential for greatness remains undeniable.
Past Criticisms and Future Prospects
Haaland has faced criticism before, not only from national team coaches but also from pundits like Roy Keane, who once called him a “League Two player.” The forward has shrugged off such comments, emphasizing his strategic importance on the field.
“You can play football without touching the ball,” Haaland explained. “You can do it with movements, the mental part, and the awareness. If I can stretch center-backs with a run, it’s hard, but it’s my job.”
As Haaland aims to help Norway achieve a major tournament breakthrough, he continues to prove his worth at Manchester City, setting the stage for what could be a historic season on multiple fronts.
