Erling Haaland expressed feelings of bitterness and emptiness after Norway's exit from the World Cup, following a dramatic quarter-final match against England. The striker was particularly frustrated with a controversial VAR decision involving his new Manchester City teammate, Elliot Anderson, which denied Norway a crucial goal in the second half.

Heartbreak in Miami

Norway faced a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to England after extra time at the Miami Stadium. The pivotal moment came when Torbjorn Lysaker Heggem's goal, scored ten minutes into the second half, was disallowed by VAR. Officials ruled that Haaland had fouled Anderson in the build-up to the goal, a decision that left the 25-year-old striker incredulous.

Critique of Refereeing Standards

In a post-match interview with TV 2, Haaland shared his disbelief over the decision, stating, “It feels a bit empty, to be honest. I felt we deserved more. I don’t think it’s a free kick.” He argued that the challenge he made was typical of the physical nature of the game, saying, “It’s been disallowed because I push Elliot Anderson to the ground, like I get pushed in every single duel. It’s a bit bitter.”

Despite the disappointment, Haaland's performance throughout the tournament was notable, as he scored seven goals, placing him second in the top-scorer standings, just behind Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, who each have eight goals. He emphasized the inconsistency of VAR decisions, suggesting that if such physical contact is considered a foul, he should be awarded more set-pieces in both Premier League and international matches. “Small moments decide things in the World Cup,” he remarked, highlighting the impact of these decisions on the outcome of matches.

Haaland's frustrations were echoed by others, as the officiating in Miami drew criticism from various players. The Norwegian striker's sentiments reflect the broader concerns regarding VAR's role in high-stakes matches, leaving fans and players alike questioning the standards of officiating in the tournament.