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EAST RUTHERFORD - Norway star Erling Haaland was overcome by emotions after he scored a brace to help his nation defeat five-time world champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the first time ever, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
"I never thought I would experience something like this. It's surreal to compete against the best players in the world at a World Cup,” he said after Sunday's match.
"Just being here is special. But scoring seven goals for Norway at a World Cup is something else entirely. It feels unreal. I can't find the words to describe how I feel. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realise just how big this all really is.”
Norway will now face England, who defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling match.
Haaland increased his overall tally to 62 goals in 54 matches for the national team.
He's used to scoring for his Manchester City team, but hadn't expected that he and his colleagues would be in such top form for the World Cup.
The Norwegian star said he never thought he would be able to beat Brazil at the tournament.
"Let's be honest. For a long time, I thought something like that was impossible. But apparently, I was wrong,” he said.
Haaland said that the team is changing the country's image, playing with increasing courage and skill. He added their performance against the record world champions showed that Norway has a fantastic team.
"That might be a piece of Norwegian history. But I hope it continues,” he said. - BERNAMA
