- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,181.10+0.26%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,950+0.70%
- October 18, 202614°
- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,181.10+0.26%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,950+0.70%
- October 18, 202614°
Norwegian star Haaland faces England in his 64th match
Erling Haaland, who will face England in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final, has described this match as the most important of his career. Thanks to a special rest programme prepared by Manchester City and the Norwegian team, he is maintaining peak form.
Norway will face England in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ahead of this crucial clash, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland made important remarks to the press. Haaland described this match in Miami, his 64th official match since August 1, as 'the most important match of my life'.
This match-up carries special emotional significance for the star player, who wears the Manchester City jersey and was born in Leeds, England. Haaland said, 'This is perhaps the most important match of my life. I said the same thing before the Brazil game, and the Champions League final was also huge, but right now it is more important than anything else we are doing here.'
Haaland, who has scored 7 goals in the 4 matches he has played in the tournament so far, has already equalled Norway's total World Cup goal tally (7 goals in 8 matches).
Scientific plan to manage the intense schedule
Behind this top-level performance lies a special rest and preparation programme jointly devised by Norway head coach Stale Solbakken and the Manchester City medical team. The physical and mental preparation plan, implemented before the team travelled to the United States on June 2, enabled the player to navigate the gruelling 11-month season without injury.
Haaland emphasized the importance of mental freshness, saying, 'In a season of around 66 matches, rest is a fundamental need. It is very important that your mind stays clear; joking and having fun are an integral part of my daily life alongside serious training.'
To maintain this balance, the Norwegian players organised golf outings in Boston, New Jersey, Dallas and Miami. Additionally, after the win over Ivory Coast, Haaland was seen buying a cowboy hat from a shop in Texas and taking part in rodeo competitions.
Guardiola's warning and rotation strategy
The fatigue management process began last November when Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated after the Newcastle win that 'Haaland is exhausted.' In response, Solbakken, who has been in charge of Norway for six years, coordinated with City physiotherapist Mario Bafundi to implement a 'smart rotation' plan.
Rested for the first friendly against Sweden, Haaland featured against Morocco in New Jersey. Once qualification from the group stage was guaranteed, he was kept on the bench against France to save him for the knockout rounds.
Haaland will take to the field against England on Saturday in full physical readiness and high spirits. The star, who aims to write a new chapter in Norwegian football, wants to prove once again that scientific planning and protecting the star player are the shortest route to the World Cup summit.
Stay Updated with RuskiGazeta
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
