Erling Haaland scored in Norway's 2-1 loss to Portugal after Stale Solbakken withdrew him from media duties amid reports of a ruling on Man City charges.
Erling Haaland applauds the fans after the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Norway and Portugal.
Erling Haaland was withdrawn from Norway media duties over the weekend(Image: Marius Nordnes / Nordnes Foto, Getty Images)
Erling Haaland has shown that he has not been impacted by off-field matters at Manchester City, after being withdrawn from media duties. The striker was due to speak to the media over the weekend.
He was stood down by manager Stale Solbakken after reports emerged of Man City being found guilty of breaches of Premier League financial rules. Despite this, he was still named in the starting lineup for the Nations League clash against Portugal on Sunday.
It's no surprise that Haaland found the net in the game, but he couldn't stop his side from falling to a 2-1 defeat. The goal was the striker's third in two Nations League games for Norway so far in the international break.
The 26-year-old tucked away the rebound after an initial free-kick was parried by Diogo Costa, levelling matters following Joao Felix's opener. Yet the equaliser had barely registered before Goncalo Ramos struck a winner just three minutes afterwards.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Erling Haaland celebrates his goal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Norway and Portugal.
Erling Haaland was on the scoresheet again for Norway. (Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
Brooklyn Beckham has widened the family feud by dropping a bombshell statement claiming that his parents have been actively trying to ruin his relationship with wife Nicola – but not everything adds up… 👀 #dailystar #brooklynbeckham #victoriabeckham
BREAKING Andrew Mountbatten- Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to the BBC. 📹 Getty #dailystar #andrew #arrest
There’s a fresh Strictly Come Dancing scandal… 🫣 #dailystar #strictly #strictlycomedancing
Archie and Lilibet only met their new classmates last week, but they have reportedly already been moved
BREAKING Kensington Palace confirms Prince William and Princess Kate’s thoughts ‘remain focused on the victims’ as ongoing revelations continue to engulf the Royal Family. 📹 Getty #dailystar #epstein #princesskate #princewilliam
King Charles has broken his silence on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on suspicion on misconduct in public office.
Solbakken's approach proved successful in one regard, as he remained determined to keep his star player focused on football rather than the controversy engulfing City's guilty verdict.
The Norway manager observed that former City midfielder Rodri's press conference, conducted while preparing to face England with Spain, had been entirely dominated by queries regarding the verdict and possible sanctions. Solbakken stated: "We naturally want him to focus and have the best possible conditions to prepare.
"As everyone knows, there have been external discussions in the past day, but that has nothing to do with the UEFA Nations League or what we'll do next.
Rodri was asked about Man City's guilty verdict
Former Man City midfielder Rodri was asked about Man City's guilty verdict in Spain's press conference
"Rodri's press conference yesterday is a perfect example; it wasn't about the UEFA Nations League either.
"So I think Haaland should focus on his task now. His task is to score for Norway, and I think everyone agrees that's what matters most.
"That certainly needs to be considered (media access to Haaland).
"Making this decision now doesn't mean he won't attend future press conferences. It's just that right now, we've decided to arrange it this way.
"I think he can handle it [the noise surrounding his club while on international duty] well."