The night Norway ‘killed’ Haaland – and how he roared back for World Cup glory

Erling Haaland is lighting up the 2026 World Cup, leading Norway to their first-ever quarterfinal with seven goals in four matches. But just two years ago, he was being ‘killed’ in his homeland after a humiliating 5-1 loss to Austria. That night, 13 October 2024, in Linz, Norway collapsed in the second half, conceding three goals in 17 minutes. Haaland, captaining the side in Martin Odegaard’s absence, refused to face the media afterward. The silence sparked fury. “It’s a disgrace,” said NRK pundit Kristoffer Lokberg. Newspaper VG ran with the headline: “Captain Haaland refused to speak with the press.” The backlash forced a swift apology. Haaland posted on Instagram: “Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part. In November, we go for six points.” Later he admitted, “I should have spoken to someone straight after the match.” Norway haven’t lost a competitive game since. They thrashed Slovenia 4-1 and Kazakhstan 5-0, with Haaland scoring a hat-trick. Fourteen straight wins followed, culminating in a run to the World Cup last 16, where Haaland’s double dumped out Brazil. His first goal was a towering header over Gabriel; his second a precise low drive. “No other player in the world is capable of scoring such goals in the same match against such quality opponents,” noted journalist Thore Haugstad. Haaland, now 25, has turned that night of humiliation into the foundation of Norway’s greatest footballing achievement.