Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has revealed that Erling Haaland was substituted during his side’s 2-1 extra-time loss to England because the striker was physically exhausted and carrying a knock.
Haaland, who had scored seven goals during the tournament, was replaced early in the second half of extra time by Jørgen Strand Larsen as Norway searched for a late equaliser.
Speaking after the match, Solbakken said the decision was straightforward given Haaland’s condition.
“It was not a tough decision to take him out because he was finished. Maybe I should have taken him out ten minutes earlier.”
The Norway manager explained that the Manchester City forward had been drained after an outstanding World Cup campaign and had also suffered a dead leg during the match.
“He has had a tremendous World Cup. He used all his energy and power game after game after game. I think he also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue.”
Despite the defeat, Solbakken praised Haaland’s performances throughout the tournament.
“He did everything that he could. He was a bit unlucky in a couple of situations, but he scored seven goals in five games for us. He had a fantastic World Cup.”
England advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after coming from behind to beat Norway. Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead in the 36th minute before Jude Bellingham equalised just before half-time and then scored the winner in extra time to seal England’s victory.