Haaland attends Stanley Cup before World Cup debut

With their long-awaited return to the World Cup just days away, Norway’s national team took a break from preparations to experience one of North America’s biggest sporting spectacles, joining thousands of fans for a Stanley Cup playoff game in North Carolina.

Leading the group was star striker Erling Haaland, who appeared in relaxed spirits as he and his teammates watched the Carolina Hurricanes defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in game five of the NHL Finals series.

The Manchester City forward quickly became a crowd favourite inside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. After initially arriving in casual attire, Haaland later appeared wearing a Hurricanes jersey bearing the number nine, matching the shirt number he wears for both club and country. He was also seen waving a rally towel and acknowledging supporters when Norway’s squad appeared on the arena’s giant screen.

The outing comes as Norway count down to their first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades. The Scandinavian nation has not featured at football’s biggest tournament since 1998 and is preparing to begin its campaign against Iraq on June 16.

Norway’s stay in North Carolina has already attracted attention beyond the football field. The squad recently participated in a widely shared photo project featuring players dressed in traditional Viking attire, while another team photograph paid tribute to their football beginnings by showcasing jerseys from their first clubs.

The World Cup will offer Haaland his first opportunity to play on the tournament’s biggest stage. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most prolific strikers, the 25-year-old has never previously appeared at either a World Cup or European Championship due to Norway’s long absence from major international competitions.

Following their opening fixture against Iraq, Norway will continue their group-stage campaign against Senegal and France as they seek to extend what has already become one of the country’s most anticipated football journeys in years.

Source: BBC