'France will probably beat us': Haaland's reality check ahead of Mbappe showdown

Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe

Erling Haaland has fired Norway into the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup, but the striker is not getting carried away. After scoring twice in Norway's 3-2 win over Senegal on Tuesday, Haaland said the team should enjoy the moment rather than start talking about winning the tournament.The Manchester City forward now has four goals in the World Cup, level with France's Kylian Mbappe and one behind Lionel Messi. Norway's victory also takes them to six points in Group I, alongside France, with the two sides set to meet on Friday to decide the group winner.

When asked about facing France, Haaland responded with a dose of realism."I don't care, we are through. They'll probably beat us and go on and win the whole tournament."Norway have reached the World Cup knockout rounds in their first appearance at the tournament since 1998. Haaland, who has now scored 59 goals in 52 international matches, said that achievement should be appreciated.Asked whether this could become his World Cup, he said:"Depends on what you mean with that. To qualify for the first time in 28 years and going through the group stage, yes, I would say so.""To win the World Cup, absolutely not. I think let's be a little realistic here, and let's be happy, every single Norwegian on the planet today."

Norway's progress has sparked celebrations among supporters. Before the match, fans gathered in Times Square and performed the now-famous Viking Row celebration, which has become a symbol of Norway's World Cup campaign. After the win, the players joined in the celebration on the pitch.Speaking about the moment, Haaland said, "It was crazy.""Martin (Odegaard) and I talked a bit about it before the match, about whether we should join in if everything went the ? way it did, and it did, so a pretty special moment I would say for the whole of Norway."The 25-year-old compared the feeling to one of the biggest moments of his career."I think it is right up there with the biggest nights I have had ? in my entire life. I have a bit of the same feeling ? that I had ? after the (2023) Champions League final (win). It is incredibly huge. I am incredibly proud and all of that."With Norway already through to the knockout stage, attention now turns to their final group match against France, which will decide who finishes on top of Group I.