Norway boss Stale Solbakken has finally explained why he made the decision to substitute Erling Haaland against England.
Haaland was brought off in extra-time of Norway’s 2-1 defeat to England after extra-time in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
The 25-year-old was replaced while the game was hanging in the balance, ending his run of scoring in every international game since Austria in October 2024.
Everyone was left confused by Solbakken’s decision but, now that the dust has settled, he has finally explained why.
Erling Haaland injury fears cooled down by Norway boss
To many, the only logical explanation for Haaland’s substitution was an injury.
Cue a load of Manchester City fans sweating over his fitness ahead of the start of the Premier League in August. However, Solbakken insisted that it was fatigue and that the forward had run his race.
He said: “It was not a tough decision to take him out because he was finished, and maybe I should have taken him out 10 minutes before, but he obviously (had) the tremendous World Cup.
“I think that he also got dead leg in the second half. So that, combined with the fatigue … he did everything he could.”
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Erling Haaland and Norway a feel-good story at the World Cup
In a World Cup dominated by rising ticket prices and endless supporters and players falling foul to visa restrictions, Norway and Haaland were some light comfort away from it all.
The American audience fell in love with Haaland for his dry sense of humour while Norway’s iconic viking row celebration gained traction.
They may not be going home with the trophy, but they go home having won the hearts and minds of others.
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