Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has lavished praise on Erling Haaland, calling him a footballer unlike any other, as Norway prepare to face England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final on July 11 in Miami Gardens.

The tribute came in the wake of Haaland's stunning brace against Brazil, a performance that sent Norway into the last eight and delivered the country's first-ever knockout victory at a World Cup.

A mentality like no other

Solbakken drew a sharp distinction between Haaland and other elite attackers, pointing out that most top players feel compelled to insert themselves into every phase of the game — but his striker does not.