Erling Haaland scored a late winner to send Norway into the World Cup last 16, but the Manchester City striker offered a bleak assessment of his team's chances against Brazil in the next round.
Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 to reach knockout stage
Antonio Nusa opened the scoring for Norway in the first half, but Manchester United's Amad Diallo equalised from the bench. Haaland tapped in the decisive goal in the dying minutes to secure Norway's first ever win in a World Cup knockout match.
Haaland: 'Very slim' chances against Brazil
Asked about Norway's prospects against the five-time world champions, Haaland replied, via ESPN: 'Very slim.' He had been similarly pessimistic before the group stage meeting with France, which ended in a 4-1 defeat. 'They will probably beat us and be champions,' he predicted then.
However, Haaland expressed excitement about facing Brazil. 'This is crazy. I can't believe I'm going to play against Brazil. I think it's a joke. It's total madness. Another step in the journey, I'm excited,' he said.
Solbakken hails Haaland as best goal-scorer in the world
Norway boss Stale Solbakken praised Haaland, who has scored five goals in three World Cup games. 'He is the greatest goal-scorer in the world, there is no doubt about that,' Solbakken said. 'Today he didn't have much involvement, but he had a big chance in the first half and then scored the goal. He is out of this world. He brings calm and a coldness to the team when you have a player like him.'
Solbakken also highlighted Haaland's underrated hold-up play. 'He didn't lose the ball once today and that brings so much to the team. I know he feels proud to be part of this, playing for his country, but he also knows this is a team that works together and he needs service from his team-mates. To score five goals in three games at a World Cup for a little country like Norway is amazing, so all credit to him. And no, I wouldn't swap him for anyone.'
