Haaland Tells Norway Fans to Pump the Brakes: "We're Not Winning the World Cup"

Erling Haaland is doing his best to keep Norway's feet on the ground, even as his goals send them soaring through the World Cup.

The star striker bagged another brace on Monday, powering Norway to a 3-2 win over Senegal and securing their spot in the last 32. That's back to back wins at a World Cup for the first time ever for the Nordic nation not bad for a team that hadn't even qualified for this tournament since 1998.

But when asked if this could be their year, Haaland gave a reality check faster than one of his sprints.

"To qualify for the first time in 28 years and go through the group stage? Yes, I'd say that's realistic. To win the World Cup? Absolutely not," he said bluntly.

Still, even he can't ignore what's happening. Norway has lost just once in their last 18 matches, and they've strung together 12 competitive wins on the bounce. Haaland himself is on another planet 59 goals in 52 international caps now. Against Senegal, he picked up where he left off against Iran, making it four goals in two games.

"I think scoring goals is my speciality," the Manchester City hitman shrugged. "I'm just really good at it. And a bit lucky, I guess. I don't overthink it it's just how it is."

Next up is a clash with 2022 finalists France in Boston on Friday to decide who tops Group I. Norway might be the surprise package of this tournament so far, but Haaland isn't about to let anyone get carried away even as he makes history alongside the likes of Mbappé and Messi in the golden boot race.

Across the pitch, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw isn't throwing in the towel yet. His side still have one last shot against Iraq, and he's clinging to hope.

"They scored at the worst possible moments twice," Thiaw admitted. "But we're not dead yet. We'll give everything for those three points."