Erling Haaland’s nightmare return: Poor ratings, argument, Man City star’s pressure

Need to know

Erling Haaland played his first minutes since Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth against Morocco in New Jersey on Sunday

All you need to know about Erling Haaland’s nightmare return to action this weekend:

1. Erling Haaland had not played since the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on May 19 prior to the World Cup warm-up clash with Morocco in New Jersey on Sunday.
2. Haaland started the game and lasted 72 minutes before being replaced by Crystal Palace striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
3. However, it was an afternoon to forget for Haaland as he managed just four touches of the ball. His only shot was blocked as Norway drew 1-1.
4. During the game, Haaland appeared to have an argument with one of the Norwegian team’s physios to cap off what was a poor night for him.
5. The Norwegian media opted to criticise Haaland in their post-match ratings. Dagsbladet awarded him a meagre two out of 10 rating, writing: “The striker was invisible in the first half. He played himself up after the break, but this was actually a shockingly weak rehearsal.” Meanwhile, TV2 handed Haaland a three out of 10, their lowest rating of any Norway player.
6. Norway boss Stale Solbakken leapt to his defence after the game. “He’s a player who feels it today. He needed those minutes. Without being rude to him, he saves himself five, 10, 15 per cent. Those explosions are coming,” he said.
7. Haaland and his Norway teammates are under pressure to perform this summer. This is the first World Cup they have qualified for since 1998.
8. Norway’s next game is their World Cup opener against Iraq in Boston on June 16. Read more here.

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