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Erling Haaland's shock France verdict adds spice to blockbuster Kylian Mbappe showdown in three days
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are set to go head-to-head when France take on Norway in a blockbuster Group I finale on June 27.
A tantalising showdown awaits at Boston Stadium in Foxborough later this week. While Lionel Messi currently leads the Golden Boot race, two of his closest challengers — Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland — are set to go head-to-head when France take on Norway in a blockbuster Group I finale on June 27.
A place in the knockout rounds will not be on the line. Both teams have already secured qualification after winning their opening two group-stage matches. The battle for top spot in the group remains, but the bigger storyline revolves around two of the world's most feared forwards and their pursuit of goals.
Both Mbappe and Haaland have scored four times in this World Cup.
Mbappe opened his campaign with a brace against Senegal before adding two more goals in France's 3-0 victory over Iraq. That match in Philadelphia was interrupted by lightning and a severe rainstorm, resulting in a delay of more than two hours. Haaland has matched the Frenchman strike for strike. The Norway forward scored twice against Iraq in the opening match and followed it up with another brace in a dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal.
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Speaking to Fox Sports after that victory, Haaland delivered a surprising assessment of the upcoming clash with France.
"I couldn't care too much about that game now. We're through. We're through," he said. "They're probably going to win against us, they're probably going to win the whole tournament."
The reporter appeared taken aback by the remark.
"Wow, that's quite a statement," she replied before congratulating the striker.
For Norway, merely reaching this stage has already been historic. This is only their fourth World Cup appearance and their first since 1998.
"I'm enjoying it a lot," Haaland said. "I've been enjoying playing for Norway ever since my debut."
Norway's viral Viking celebration
The celebrations after the win over Senegal quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament. Following the final whistle, Norway's players and staff gathered in formation in front of their supporters at MetLife Stadium. With Haaland seated at the front and captain Martin Odegaard beating a bongo drum, the group performed the now-famous Viking Row celebration, chanting "Ro!" while mimicking the motion of rowing.
The celebration has exploded across social media in recent months, and according to Haaland, the players had discussed doing it before the match.
"We've all seen it online and it's gone completely viral," he said. "Martin told me before the game, 'What do you think? Should we join in?'"
Haaland's response was immediate.
"'If we win, let's do it. Why not?' So it felt like the perfect moment."
