Erling Haaland believes Norway’s remarkable World Cup campaign has inspired a new generation of footballers despite the country’s 2-1 extra-time quarter-final defeat to England on Saturday.

Haaland failed to score for the first time in 15 competitive appearances for Norway as Jude Bellingham struck twice to send England into the semi-finals in Miami.

The Manchester City striker had scored seven goals in four matches at his first major international tournament, helping Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 28 years.

His standout performances included a brace against Brazil in the round of 16 that knocked the five-time world champions out of the tournament.

“How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most,” Haaland said.

The 25-year-old said the team’s performances in the United States had transformed perceptions of Norwegian football and could lay the foundation for sustained success.

“It’s difficult to take in everything we’ve experienced over the last six weeks,” he said.

“I think this changes Norway, and it changes me. I’ve said many times that we’re building something special in Norway.
“It’s now about maintaining this momentum because we’ve shown it’s possible to become one of the biggest football nations in the world.”

Haaland also praised England midfielder Jude Bellingham, his former Borussia Dortmund teammate, describing him as one of the world’s best players.

“We had so much fun together at Dortmund, and I’m not surprised he scored twice today and performed the way he did,” Haaland said.

“I think he’s one of the best players in the world. He’s a midfielder, yet he scores goals, dribbles past defenders and influences every game.

“It’s nothing but praise for Jude. He’s unbelievable. England are fortunate to have him because every team would want a player like him.”

Haaland was substituted during the second half of extra time after struggling with the intense heat in Miami.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said the striker had exhausted himself after carrying the team’s attacking burden throughout the tournament.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision to take him off because he was finished. In fact, I probably should have done it earlier,” Solbakken said.

“We’ve relied on all his energy and power throughout the tournament. He also picked up a dead leg in the second half, and combined with the fatigue, he had given everything.

“He scored seven goals in five games for us. It was a fantastic World Cup from him.”