A former Norway manager criticized Erling Haaland for his disappointing performance in failing to score against Kazakhstan, describing it as one of the worst displays he’s witnessed. Haaland led the front line for Norway in their recent Nations League clash against Kazakhstan. Despite talented players like Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa, and Alexander Sorloth in the lineup, Norway struggled to find the back of the net, resulting in a goalless draw. The team made numerous attempts, with 19 shots taken and dominating possession with 71%, but were ultimately unable to secure a victory.
Haaland couldn’t capitalize on his opportunities in Norway’s recent match, which ended in a 0-0 stalemate with Kazakhstan.
The Man City forward is just a pair of goals shy of matching the all-time goalscoring record for Norway.
Despite having an attacking threat in Haaland, Norway’s struggles to qualify for major tournaments continue. In a recent game, Norway managed just two shots on target, with Haaland having an off night. Former Norway and Wimbledon manager Egil Olsen didn’t hold back in his criticism of Haaland and Odegaard, calling them world-class players but pointing out their subpar performance. While Norway’s rivals also drew, they will face Austria next in their quest for qualification. The Norwegian men’s national team hasn’t qualified for a major tournament since 1998 when they reached the last-16 of the FIFA World Cup in France.
Haaland experienced a scoreless game against Kazakhstan, a far cry from his impressive performance at the beginning of the season with City.
Criticism was also directed towards Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard for his performance in the match against Kazakhstan. Looking ahead, Erling Haaland must have his sights set on the upcoming game against Austria as he only needs two more goals to equal Jorgen Juve as Norway’s top goalscorer of all time. Juve achieved 33 goals in 45 appearances for Norway between 1928 and 1937, while Haaland currently has 31 goals in just 34 games, averaging an impressive 0.91 goals per match. Haaland’s recent goal drought against Kazakhstan is a departure from his stellar start to the season with Manchester City. The 24-year-old has already netted seven goals in three matches, including hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United. He also contributed with the first goal in City’s 2-0 win over Chelsea in their first Premier League game of the season.