Erling Haaland has learned an important lesson about not refusing the requests of young fans, regardless of the game’s outcome, following an incident involving some Norwegian children.
Despite Haaland scoring a goal, Norway faced a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Scotland in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying series, conceding two late goals.
Although Haaland had given the hosts the lead with a penalty midway through the second half, Scotland managed to stage a comeback with two goals in just three minutes after Haaland had been substituted towards the end of the match.
The result puts Norway in a precarious position, having picked up just one point from three games and playing Cyprus next at home before ending the post-season international break.
Young Norway fans boo Haaland
The 22-year-old was the last to hop into the team bus and was met by a group of young fans who chanted his name and were expecting a meet and greet.
As spotted in a video published on Twitter by Mail Sport, he waved at the kids and went straight into the bus, which left the kids disappointed and booed him.
The former Borussia Dortmund forward struggled throughout the game, particularly in the first half, where Squawka noted that he had just eight touches, completed three passes and recorded zero shots.
Fans claimed he was still suffering from the hangover of City’s wild treble celebrations, which went on for days before he teamed up with the national team. In contrast, others claimed his regular creator Kevin De Bruyne is not his national teammate.
Solbakken explains Haaland’s struggle
Sports Brief reported that Norway national team boss Stale Solbakken explained Haaland’s struggles during their 2-1 loss to Scotland.
He was hauled off in the 84th minute, but the head coach admitted it should have come at least 10-12 minutes earlier as he asked to be subbed off.
He added that the Premier League golden boot winner was uncomfortable with the heat in Oslo as it was about 30°C hot and he was completely empty.