FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland, Ostigard step up training ahead of Norway's quarter-final against England
Miami, July 10
Norway forward Erling Haaland and centre-back Leo Ostigard had a lively and intense training session as the team prepares for their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against England on Saturday in Miami.
In a video posted on X by the Norwegian national football team, Haaland and Ostigard can be seen practicing headers during a lively training session and celebrating goal with a chest bump.
The Norwegian national football team captioned the video "Finishing with Erling & Leo."
Norway booked their place in the quarter-finals after stunning five-time world champions Brazil with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16, one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. A brilliant brace from Erling Haaland inspired the Norwegians to the famous win, setting up a blockbuster quarter-final clash against England.
During the match against Brazil, Haaland's tally in the tournament went to seven goals after a brace, making him the player with the joint-most goals in his debut World Cup since Poland's Grzegorz Lato scored seven in 1974.
Notably, Haaland is averaging a goal every 14 touches in the tournament, the lowest ratio of any player to score three or more goals in a single World Cup edition over the past 60 years.
Haaland has netted seven goals from just 18 shots at the 2026 World Cup, giving him a 39% conversion rate. This is the best finishing efficiency (with 15 or more shots) in a single World Cup since Gary Lineker in 1986, who scored six goals from 15 shots at a 40 per cent rate.
England, on the other hand, head into the quarter-final on the back of one of their most memorable away victories, with Jude Bellingham's brace inspiring a dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca despite being reduced to 10 men.
History, however, slightly favours Norway, with England managing just two wins in their last seven meetings. The Three Lions' struggles date back to a memorable 2-1 defeat in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 1981.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Norway's defense will need to be rock solid against England's Bellingham. But honestly, seeing Haaland's efficiency – a goal every 14 touches – is just mind-blowing. It's like watching a machine in action! ⚽
This is going to be an epic clash! England was lucky against Mexico with that red card, but Norway's confidence will be sky-high after beating Brazil. I think Haaland's physicality will be key. Let's see if England's defense can handle him!
I just hope Norway's over-reliance on Haaland doesn't backfire. England has a deep squad and will target him. But that 39% conversion rate is insane! Reminds me of Lineker. Potential classic in the making!
Has Norway really improved that much, or was Brazil just off their game? England's 10-man win shows their grit. I'm leaning towards England, but you can't write off a team with Haaland. Should be a tight match! 🤔
Not many teams can say they've historically troubled England! '81 qualifier was memorable, but this is a new era. I just hope the match lives up to the hype. Fitness will be crucial in Miami's heat. ✨
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