Haaland draws massive media frenzy at pre-match press conference; teammates say he has achieved pop star status

Published Jul 9, 05:36 PM UTC

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Two days before Norway's World Cup quarter-final against England, a press conference featuring star striker Erling Haaland drew massive media attention in Fort Lauderdale. Around 150 journalists and photographers lined up early to see Haaland, who has scored seven goals in the tournament. Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported that Haaland has achieved 'pop star status.' Midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt noted the commotion, saying the focus on Haaland is fine by him. Morten Thorsby called it the biggest press conference he has ever attended. Haaland himself said the attention means he and his country are doing something right. Norway advanced to the quarter-finals after a 2-1 win against Brazil, and Haaland trails only Lionel Messi (8 goals) in the tournament scoring race.

Source report

Fort Lauderdale – Wherever he is, everyone wants to be. Erling Haaland (25, 7 World Cup goals) shot Norway into the quarter-finals, where the Vikings will face England on Saturday evening (11 p.m./MagentaTV). His goals, his demeanor, his quick wit, his social media presence – Haaland fascinates and draws the crowds. Just like at the press conference two days before the England clash.

At the Inter Miami stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Haaland and his two teammates Morten Thorsby (30, formerly Union Berlin) and Kristian Thorstvedt (27) faced questions from the press. Well before the official start of the press conference at 11 a.m. local time, a huge line of journalists and photographers formed, waiting to be let in. This was reported by Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

Norway and Haaland enter the quarter-finals with confidence. Photo: picture alliance/NTB

Norway Star: "Biggest Press Conference I've Ever Been On"

They all came for Haaland. He has "achieved pop star status," as NRK put it. Around 150 media representatives were on site, waiting for the star striker. But first, midfielder Thorstvedt spoke. The Sassuolo professional said, looking at the huge media interest in Haaland:

"There's quite a commotion here. Everyone is focusing their attention on him, which is fine by me in this case. No problem!"

And Thorsby added:

"This is the biggest press conference I've ever been on. But we've earned the attention, we've delivered. Now we want to enjoy the moment."

Source: MagentaTV, 06.07.2026

Haaland has already scored seven goals in his first World Cup. Only Lionel Messi (39, 8 goals) has more. Norway impresses not only with good football (such as the 2-1 win against Brazil), but also with the collective rowing celebration.

The Vikings are on everyone's lips. Haaland himself said at his media circus press conference:

"I think it's nice, because normally it means you're doing something right and your country is doing something right. I think it's absolutely fantastic."

Content shown outside its original language is machine translated; summaries may also be condensed.

Source

BILD - SportWestern

Original headline: Zwei Tage vor England-Kracher - Tumulte bei der Haaland-Pressekonferenz

Original language: DE

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