Erling Haaland has become the first player in 72 years to score in each of his first three World Cup appearances, adding another milestone to his Manchester City and Norway season.
The City striker continued his scoring run with the late winner in Norway’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, sending his country into a last-16 meeting with Brazil.
Reuters reported that Haaland scored Norway’s 86th-minute winner after Antonio Nusa’s opener and Amad Diallo’s equaliser had left the tie drifting towards extra time. Squawka, via City Xtra, noted that Haaland is the first player in 72 years to score in each of his first three World Cup appearances.
For Manchester City, it is another reminder that Haaland is not simply arriving at the new season with tournament minutes in his legs. He is arriving with goals, rhythm and another record attached to his name.
Haaland Record Adds To City’s Brazil Fixture Question
The footballing upside is obvious. Haaland has carried Norway into the last 16 and is building the kind of national momentum that elite strikers feed on.
Read Man City has already covered how Haaland’s winner against Ivory Coast set up Norway’s Brazil tie, and that next game now becomes even more interesting for Enzo Maresca’s staff.
City will want Haaland sharp for the start of the Premier League season. Norway will want him at full throttle against Brazil.
That balance is where the summer gets awkward. Every goal strengthens his tournament story, but every extra knockout minute pushes his recovery schedule deeper into July.
Still, City would rather manage a striker in form than one searching for rhythm. Haaland’s first World Cup is already doing what most of his Manchester City career has done.
It is turning expectation into numbers.
