MIAMI GARDENS — Erling Haaland’s remarkable World Cup came to an end on Saturday after England kept the tournament’s leading striker scoreless for the first time, ending Norway’s historic run with a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat.After scoring seven goals in his first four matches, Haaland was largely neutralized by England’s defense before being substituted during extra time as Norway bowed out of the tournament.”This has been an insane journey,” Haaland said after the match.The Manchester City striker admitted the intense heat and humidity in South Florida drained his energy as the match wore on, with temperatures feeling above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said the decision to replace his star forward was straightforward.”It was not a tough decision to take him out,” Solbakken said. “He was finished. Maybe I should have taken him out 10 minutes before. He also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue. He did everything he could.”England’s game plan focused on limiting Haaland’s involvement, and it worked. The prolific striker managed just two shots, with only one on target, while former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham stole the spotlight by scoring both England goals to send the Three Lions into the semifinals.Haaland embraced Bellingham after the final whistle before remaining on the pitch to applaud Norway’s supporters following the nation’s best-ever World Cup campaign.”I think this has changed my life, to be honest,” Haaland said.England’s defenders, aided by players familiar with Haaland from the Premier League, successfully cut off service to the Norwegian striker throughout the match. His best chance came late in the first half when a pass failed to reach him during a promising two-on-one attack.Despite the disappointing finish, Haaland emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament, with his seven-goal haul helping Norway reach its first World Cup quarterfinal.”I think we put Norway on the map,” he said.Norway’s historic run ended just one match short of the semifinals, while England advanced to face defending champion Argentina in the last four.MIAMI GARDENS — Erling Haaland’s remarkable World Cup came to an end on Saturday after England kept the tournament’s leading striker scoreless for the first time, ending Norway’s historic run with a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat.After scoring seven goals in his first four matches, Haaland was largely neutralized by England’s defense before being substituted during extra time as Norway bowed out of the tournament.”This has been an insane journey,” Haaland said after the match.The Manchester City striker admitted the intense heat and humidity in South Florida drained his energy as the match wore on, with temperatures feeling above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said the decision to replace his star forward was straightforward.”It was not a tough decision to take him out,” Solbakken said. “He was finished. Maybe I should have taken him out 10 minutes before. He also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue. He did everything he could.”England’s game plan focused on limiting Haaland’s involvement, and it worked. The prolific striker managed just two shots, with only one on target, while former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham stole the spotlight by scoring both England goals to send the Three Lions into the semifinals.Haaland embraced Bellingham after the final whistle before remaining on the pitch to applaud Norway’s supporters following the nation’s best-ever World Cup campaign.”I think this has changed my life, to be honest,” Haaland said.England’s defenders, aided by players familiar with Haaland from the Premier League, successfully cut off service to the Norwegian striker throughout the match. His best chance came late in the first half when a pass failed to reach him during a promising two-on-one attack.Despite the disappointing finish, Haaland emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament, with his seven-goal haul helping Norway reach its first World Cup quarterfinal.”I think we put Norway on the map,” he said.Norway’s historic run ended just one match short of the semifinals, while England advanced to face defending champion Argentina in the last four.
