So much of the 2026 World Cup went so well for Norway. They managed to go further than ever before, making the quater-finals, but that joy turned to misery as they lost to England 2-1 in a very tight game.
Erling Haaland was very much the nation's main man as he bagged seven goals at the tournament, inclduing one in the Last 32 win over Ivory Coast and an unforgetable brace against Brazil in the Round of 16.
The Manchester City star was unable to find the back of the net against England, however, but was not helped in one moment, when it looked as though teammate Alexander Sorloth could have put him through on goal. The 30-year-old instead looked to shoot and saw the chance come to nothing.
Sorloth has faced plenty of criticism over the incidnet, and US influencer, wrestler and boxer Logan Paul has now weighed in on the debate.
via REUTERS/Dylan Martinez Related
Erling Haaland's Dad's 5-Word Post Instantly Goes Viral After England 2-1 Norway
Haaland's father, Alfie, was kick to take to social media to question the referee performance amid England praise.
Sorloth Speaks Out on Haaland Incident
Speaking after the game, Sorloth explained why he failed to pass to Haaland. He told the press:
"I take a touch and look up, and then I see that [John] Stones blocks that pass. Then I take another touch, and that is too bad. I wait for him to make a move instead of me making him make a move.
"The only thing I want in that situation there is to pass to Erling. Then it feels like that pass isn't there, and then I go for the shot."
True football fans will understand the sport is a game of fine margins and while Sorloth didn't quite get things right in the moment, many other players would have made the same mistake. Even so, the reaction on social media has been extreme to say the least.
Things have got so bad, in fact, that his girlfriend, Lena Selnes, has released a statement addressing the hate that her partner has received. She shared a collection of abusive messages and wrote:
"The World Cup and football bring a lot of joy, but also a lot of hate. I don't really want to give it any attention, but feel the need to after comments like this.
"Hope everyone can think a little extra before making such comments, regardless of the situation."
Logan Paul Slams Sorloth After Norway Loss
Logan Paul
Logan Paul
Amid all the fall-out US influencer Paul – who has been closely watching the World Cup this summer – has offered his thoughts on Sorloth. He didn't exactly show a lot of symphathy, as he blamed Norway's defeat to England on this one incident, forgetting that football is a team sport made up of many individuals and many moments.
Taking to social media, he wrote:
"I keep seeing that clip of the dude not passing the ball & I’m so gutted for Haaland The entire country of Norway lost because one guy wanted to have a moment."
Paul's comment went viral on social media, sparking millions of views and over one thousand comments as fans debated the topic.
Norway took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup before Jude Bellingham made it 1-1. The game then went to extra time where Bellingham scored again, finishing from close range after a poor piece of goalkeeping from Orjan Nyland. Soon after, Haaland had to come off as he was dealing with a fitness issue, and could only watch on from the sidelines as his countrymen lost 2-1.
England will now play Argentina in the semi-final, with France taking on Spain on the other side of the draw.