Erling Haaland had just scored two goals against Brazil and taken Norway to the quarterfinals for the first time in its history. Seven goals in the tournament, tied with Messi and Mbappé. A perfect night.
But in the mixed zone of the New Jersey stadium, something went wrong. Ariel Schvartzbard, an Argentine journalist from TyC Sports, called him by name looking for one more comment. Haaland didn’t even turn his head: “I just spoke for fifteen minutes inside”, he said, and kept walking while the reporter insisted.
The video went viral within minutes. For some, it was a star’s gesture with an inflated ego. For others, a tired footballer who had already done his duty with the press. Norway is now waiting for its quarterfinal opponent, but all anyone is talking about is those seconds in the hallway. 🇳🇴⚽