Erling Haaland: 'Let's be real' over Norway's World Cup chances

Norway star Erling Haaland.

Erling Haaland offered a firm response over Norway's chances of a shock run to World Cup glory next month.

Powered by Haaland's goals, Norway stormed to a first World Cup qualification since 1998 as the highest-scoring team in European qualifying with 37 goals in eight games.

The Manchester City star has stepped on the gas at the tournament with two goals in each of Norway's Group I games so far in victories over Iraq and Senegal.

The final game of the group will decide top spot in the group as Haaland faces off with Golden Boot rival Kylian Mbappe and France on June 26th in Foxborough.

Haaland's focus was clear after leading Norway to victory against Senegal, but the self-confident striker was also pragmatic over their situation, after so many years of not making it to the World Cup.

"To qualify for the first time in 28 years and go through the group stage I would say, yes (is a good World Cup). To win the World Cup, absolutely not.

"I think we should be realistic here and be happy for every single Norwegian on the planet (after this win).

"We've won 12 competitive games in a row now. I'm part of something special, making history and I'm extremely proud to be Norwegian."

In three World Cup appearances, Norway have reached the first knockout phase just twice, most recently losing to Italy in 1998, and they have not qualified for a UEFA European Championship since 2000.