Bryne celebrates Erling Haaland’s impact as Norway advances in World Cup
Bryne, Norway celebrates hometown hero Erling Haaland’s impact as the national team advances in the World Cup, bringing pride and unity to the community.
Haaland’s hometown hails ‘little boy who grew into a huge Viking’
The small Norwegian farming town of Bryne, near Stavanger, is celebrating the success of its hometown hero, Erling Haaland. The community, where Haaland grew up and trained, views him as a significant source of pride and inspiration. His rise in international football has brought a sense of unity and excitement to the town, particularly as Norway progresses in the World Cup.
Olinda Haaland, who shares the same surname but is not related to the player, noted that everyone in Bryne has become a football fan. Her fabric shop, located in the town’s central square, has seen a surge in demand for Haaland merchandise, with people eager to show their support. The town is preparing for a large outdoor screening of Norway’s World Cup quarter-final match against England, with hundreds expected to gather.
Andreas Vollusund, Bryne’s mayor and Haaland’s former schoolteacher, highlighted the Manchester City striker’s profound influence on the town. Vollusund, who taught Haaland when he was 10, described him as a focused child who loved sports and joking with others. He recalled Haaland stating at that age his intention to become a professional footballer.
Vollusund attributes Haaland’s success partly to Bryne’s hard-working farming culture and the characteristics he inherited from his parents, noting his mother was a national heptathlon champion. He emphasised the Norwegian approach to youth sports, which prioritises fun, as a factor in developing world-class athletes across various disciplines.
Haaland, despite being born in Leeds while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Leeds United, considers Bryne his home. He maintains strong ties to the community, frequently visiting his old haunts, donating football equipment to children, and organising reading competitions. A 16th-century book of Viking sagas, purchased by Haaland, is also set to arrive at the local library in the autumn.
His impact extends beyond football, fostering a sense of togetherness in Bryne and across Norway. Gabriel Høyland, Haaland’s great uncle, expressed excitement for the upcoming match, noting the unprecedented atmosphere surrounding Norway’s World Cup journey. The mayor plans to host an alcohol-free screening of the quarter-final match at Bryne’s football stadium, expecting 3,000 children and families.
Haaland’s journey and growing influence
Haaland’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in world football is notable. Footage from the Norwegian Football Federation shows a 16-year-old Haaland in a shooting drill, where many of his attempts were initially off target. Hakon Grottland, head of player development for Norway’s national association, suggested that this early struggle and dedication to practice contributed to his development.
Grottland also pointed out that Haaland’s commitment was evident even then, as he would stay behind after team training to continue improving. This dedication, combined with a significant growth spurt later in his teenage years, helped transform him into the player he is today. His elder brother, Astor, recounted Haaland growing 20cm and gaining 20 kilograms in a single year.
Despite his current physical stature, Haaland was not always a standout player in his youth. At a talent camp in Stavanger in June 2014, coaches were asked to identify players likely to achieve full international honours, and none selected Haaland. This late development is seen as an inspiration for young athletes in Norway.
Haaland’s confidence, however, was apparent from a young age. Brede Hangeland, former Norway national team captain and current assistant coach, recalled Haaland, then a teenager, confidently outlining his ambition to become the best forward in the world. His long-standing friend, Martin Ødegaard, also noted Haaland’s strong personality from early on.
Haaland’s goal-scoring record is substantial, with 297 goals in 364 appearances across various clubs including Molde, Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester City. For Norway, he has scored in each of his last 14 games, accumulating 62 goals in 54 international matches.
His performance in the current World Cup has further elevated his global profile. He has scored seven goals in the tournament, placing him among the top scorers. His brace against Brazil in the Round of 16 secured Norway’s first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance. This success has made him a widely recognised figure, particularly in the United States.
Personality and tactical approach
Beyond his scoring ability, Haaland’s personality has resonated with fans. He is described as a self-deprecating, smiling figure who exhibits genuine joy when his teammates score. Geir Jordet, a professor of psychology at the Norwegian School of Sport Science, highlighted Haaland’s unique blend of professionalism and a relaxed, team-oriented approach.
Haaland’s public persona, including his YouTube channel, offers a glimpse into his playful side. He recently responded to Wayne Rooney’s promise to row down Liverpool’s River Mersey if Norway reached the quarter-finals, humorously stating his anticipation of seeing it happen.
Tactically, Norway’s manager, Ståle Solbakken, has built a 4-3-3 counter-attacking system around Haaland’s strengths. Unlike his role as a fixed spearhead at Manchester City, Haaland often drops deeper for Norway, positioning himself between midfield and defence to create long-range shooting opportunities. This strategy was evident in his goal from outside the box against Brazil.
Solbakken noted that Haaland is easy to coach and prioritises the team, even engaging in defensive work. He stated that Haaland is aware of his leadership role and takes care of his teammates. This team-first attitude and his ability to score in various ways, including with both feet and headers, have made him a complete goalscorer in the tournament.
Haaland’s influence extends to inspiring young people in Bryne, showing them that success is possible even from a small town. The town’s mayor, Andreas Vollusund, expressed pride in Haaland, referring to him as “the little boy who has grown into a huge Viking.”
Norway is set to face England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match at the Miami Stadium.
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Source: theguardian.com
Rohan Gupta
Sports Reporter
