Erling Haaland has silenced his remaining critics with a stunning World Cup campaign, scoring seven goals to lead Norway to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998. His latest brace knocked out Brazil, prompting a dramatic U-turn from former critic Roy Keane.
Haaland's World Cup Dominance
Haaland's sixth and seventh goals of the tournament secured a historic victory over Brazil, sending Norway into the last eight against England. The 25-year-old's tally equals World Cup legends Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, despite playing for a side with far less pedigree than France or Argentina.
His performance came amid doubts after a below-par second half of last season by his standards, and a poor record at neutral venues with Manchester City: nine finals, zero goals. But Haaland has now proven his ability on the biggest stage.
Roy Keane's Change of Heart
Roy Keane, who two years ago likened Haaland's general play to a League Two player, now sings a different tune. "It's like what we said with Kane and England, you know these guys are going to turn up," Keane said. "He's not done it at the World Cup because he's not played in a World Cup but there's no doubt he was going to do the business. That's what he does. Amazing. The stats... And he's also become more of a leader as well I think. He's obviously matured in the last year or two, his all-round play, and that goal threat is always there."
Silencing the Doubters
From the moment Haaland started scoring at a phenomenal rate, critics sought to discredit him. Jamie Carragher claimed he joined the wrong club four months before Haaland won the Treble with 52 goals. Keane's earlier jibe about his general play now seems outdated as Haaland's all-round game has matured.
After dumping Brazil out, Haaland joked about "Ibiza final boss" on Snapchat. With seven World Cup goals and a quarter-final berth, there are no more critics left to answer.
