Sports
Erling Haaland is already a force of nature – and he’s getting better
“Normally, we don’t meet these kinds of teams,” Erling Haaland reflected on the third of his three goals on Saturday. “Normally, teams drop more, but West Ham needed a goal and the line was higher and I had space to go in behind.”
The thing is, it was Haaland who afforded Manchester City that extra option by scoring the two goals that obliged West Ham to change their approach in the first place.
For the first of them, he struck after City won the ball back high up the pitch, exposing a gaping hole as West Ham tried to play out from the back. “With space behind, he’s unstoppable,” said City manager Pep Guardiola. “There’s no central defender, not even with a gun… it’s impossible to stop him. He’s so fast, so powerful.”
For the second, City worked their way up the pitch patiently, as they usually have to do, and Haaland smashed in an emphatic finish — a half-chance, really — after a succession of intricate passes.
The moral of the story is that no matter what you try to do, when Haaland is at his very best — and his team-mates can find him — you are going to come unstuck; he added that third on the break after, as he said, West Ham pushed up looking for an equaliser.
Last weekend, after a varied hat-trick against Ipswich (a penalty, a ball in behind and a shot from outside the box), one of his City team-mates wrote on his match ball that he was getting sick of signing them for him. This time, one simply wrote, jokingly, ‘F*** off’.
Haaland has 11 hat-tricks for City now in barely two years since joining them and there will probably be more soon.
Haaland lobs goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to score his third in City’s 3-1 win (Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
“He’s playing much better,” Guardiola said at the London Stadium, leaving no room for doubt. “In everything.”
Guardiola had been asked if Haaland’s goals looked a bit “crisper” than the ones he scored last season and on another day, he might have pointed out how many the Norwegian actually did score last season — 38 in 45 appearances in all competitions (he won the Premier League Golden Boot, with 27, as he did in his 2022-23 debut year when he got 36) — but on this occasion, the City manager was happy to meet the truth head-on.
During the summer, Guardiola left breadcrumbs about some observations, possibly even some frustrations, about Haaland’s contributions that he did not feel the need to share during last season. And in the past two weeks, he has decided to open up even more.
“After the (2022-23) treble, he struggled to handle it, and maybe not too many holidays,” Guardiola said last weekend. “I remember at the beginning he said, ‘Still I’m tired, still I am a little bit drained’.”
And after subtly suggesting during the club’s pre-season tour in the United States that he wanted more from Haaland, he took the opportunity to explain exactly what that was. Typically, it was after Haaland had scored that hat-trick against Ipswich.
“We talked a little bit in the States. I didn’t like some things and he changed his mind,” Guardiola teased and when later asked what he did not like, he again chose the open and honest route.
“I like when he runs a lot. I like when he presses like an animal. I like it. It helps to score a goal. When you are connected defensively, you are connected offensively. When you are disconnected defensively and you run and the ball surprises you, you are not precise.
“This mix; to know exactly what to do and help us. His body language… imagine a central defender has the ball and he makes a sprint with this body and legs moving. It’s scary. And it helps us, for the people in the middle and back to support him, and we are more effective in our high pressing.
Guardiola congratulates Haaland after full-time at the London Stadium (Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images)
“We need him. This is not negotiable. If you (Haaland) don’t score a goal, it’s fine, but you need to do it (the pressing). Especially when we link up with him, he has to control the ball better, but we are working with him on it. Hopefully he can do it.”
As much as the goals, all of that stuff was evident on Saturday evening. Haaland set up Rico Lewis for what should have been City’s third with a fine through ball and on one occasion raced back to prevent a West Ham counter-attack from a corner.
It was his best all-round performance in what feels like forever and if that feels harsh on somebody who, after all, still scored loads of goals last season, it always felt at the time like everything seemed that little bit harder in his second year of English football. With the benefit of hindsight, it certainly feels that way now.
“There are details,” Guardiola continued after the game. “He stays 20 minutes or half an hour after training sessions to work on finishing, close control, short passes. Last season, not even once was he there (doing that work) because he didn’t feel good; tired, niggles, most of the season.”
Haaland admitted after his goal in the opening league game against Chelsea two weeks ago that he could “stand and watch” while his team-mates bring the ball up the pitch, and that is OK because by just being there, he can take his markers into areas where they cannot get close to City’s other threats.
Issues can arise when City cannot find him for that one chance or, when they do, he misses it anyway, which is what happened quite a lot last season, certainly compared to his first one.
But the message from Guardiola is that City will keep finding him and Haaland looks ready to hold up his end of the bargain.
“What we need is the team to play better and better to give him more balls in the final third, and with Rico, Kevin (De Bruyne), (Ilkay) Gundogan, Bernardo (Silva), (James) McAtee, we’re going to create those situations because they’re really good in small spaces,” said the City manager.
Haaland has scored seven goals in his three games this season (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Interestingly, Guardiola has been trying to leverage another way of getting Haaland some relatively simple finishes: crosses to the back post. He started Savinho and Jeremy Doku on their strongest sides against Chelsea, with the aim of getting them to the byline to stand up the ball for Haaland to nod in, but the players took it upon themselves to switch sides after 15 minutes that day and they looked better for it.
In the opening exchanges at West Ham, City were clearly looking for those stood-up crosses, too, but when one found the intended target, Haaland headed it over the crossbar. But even the low crosses were often cut out.
“In small spaces, which happens quite often against us, we need players with good crosses, but we are still not so clever,” Guardiola continued. “For example, Jeremy arrived in the final third and we are not precise enough, like Jack (Grealish) sometimes, too, but in small spaces, when we improve in that department, he will have more chances and we know how clinical he is. Everybody knows it.”
Even so, the incredible statistics that seemed to accompany every Haaland performance in his debut season have suddenly come flooding back.
His eight Premier League hat-tricks have come in 69 games — it took Thierry Henry 258 matches to do the same.
Haaland has now scored more than once in 26 per cent of his league games for City — 10 doubles and those eight hat-tricks — which is the highest ratio of any player.
He began his Premier League career here in this stadium two years and three weeks ago with a pair against West Ham on his league debut, and with the hat-trick against Ipswich last weekend, he kept up his record of scoring against every team he has faced in the competition.
Going back where it all started and bagging another hat-trick: it looks like he is taking things up another level.
GO DEEPER
The Briefing: West Ham 1 Manchester City 3 – Another Haaland hat-trick but where is Walker?
(Top photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Waffle House and Carolina barbecue, the Auburn War Eagle and Boston Harbor boat parties, ranch dressing and bacon-wrapped everything. Welcome to America.
The United States boasts a tremendously eclectic culture, and, let’s be honest, sometimes it’s super weird and inexplicable, even to some Americans. So many things across the 50 states — they each have their own flavor and culture too — are uniquely American, which World Cup fans around the world are discovering as they come to the U.S., perhaps for the first time, for the 48-team tournament this summer. And several fans and fan bases are going viral with their adventures, team pride and sharing of their traditions and cultures too.
Argentina Fans Bow Together to Honor Lionel Messi’s Historic Night
Lionel Messi made history on Tuesday night against Algeria, scoring a hat trick while also tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the all-time men’s FIFA World Cup goals record.
After the game, Argentina fans were seen bowing together in admiration of Messi. It was more than a 3-0 victory; it was another moment that showed fans around the world are witnessing the greatness that makes Lionel Messi so special.
Messi was already widely regarded as an all-time great, but his 2022 World Cup win arguably cemented his case as one of the best the sport has ever seen. Now, as Argentina pursues another title, fans across the stadium continue to show their admiration for a legacy still unfolding.
A major highlight has been a couple of Germany fans, influencers Freddy and Fiago, who have been trekking around the U.S. and are thoroughly (and hilariously) documenting their adventures around the South and Midwest.
But there’s so much more to learn about (North) American culture. So we’re rounding up the best and funniest moments as international fans learn about the wacky and delightful things the U.S. has to offer — along with their wonderfully unbridled support for their respective teams.
Row, Row, Row Up The Escalators
Norway’s fans have arrived for their team’s opening game against Iraq in Boston, and they’re flaunting their Viking culture in big ways. Or, maybe just in unique ways.
These fans decided to ride up the escalators from Boston’s South Station by rowing up them. It may not be the type of longship that their ancestors used to crisscross the Northern Atlantic, but at least it makes taking public transportation a bit memorable.
Cape Verde’s Goat Celebration
Cape Verde’s stunning draw against Spain was worth celebrating (unless you are Spain). It was the debut for the former in the World Cup, and took one of the tournament favorites to the limit. It’s one of the best stories of the early tournament so far.
And now that story includes fans celebrating with goats. Not goat, singular, but plural.
Tartan Army’s Traffic Cones
Depending on where you are or what your algorithm looks like, you may have seen Scotland fans putting orange traffic cones on statues. And their heads.
One fan explained it simply to The Providence Journal: “So essentially, there’s a statue in Glasgow where some Scottish people, for a long time, have put a traffic cone on top of it. And it’s just become a bit of an icon.”
Tartan Army Takes Over Fenway
The Scotland men’s national team might have left the Boston area for Charlotte following its 1-0 win over Haiti on Saturday, but much of the Tartan Army remained. Countless Scotland fans were at Fenway Park for Sunday’s Texas Rangers-Boston Red Sox game, taking over America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.
Tidying Up After A Thrilling Match
One of the most cherished World Cup fan traditions has now made its first appearance at this edition of the World Cup.
As they have at previous international tournaments, supporters of Japan helped pick up litter in the stands following a game – this time after a 2-2 thriller against the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium.
The tradition of Japanese fans helping tidy up the venues after games — which follows a Japanese saying of “A bird that flies never leaves a trace” — became prominent when the men’s team made its World Cup debut in 1998.
The beloved gesture even compelled New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, who is spending the summer as a FOX Sports digital correspondent covering the World Cup, to participate in the effort.
The Oranje Army Shows Out
The scenes in and around Dallas Stadium were nearly all orange before and during the Netherlands’ draw against Japan on Sunday. The Oranje Army took over Dallas, with fans marching across the city.
The Oranje Army was more than the people in Dallas, too. One Oranje kitten went viral during Sunday’s match.
Curaçao’s Biggest World Cup Moment
The underdog of underdogs, Curaçao made its World Cup debut Sunday against Group E foe Germany, and while it lost pretty convincingly, 7-1, it had a special moment. Early in the first half of its tournament opener, Curaçao scored its first World Cup goal, thanks to Livano Comenencia, whose shot deflected off Germany captain Joshua Kimmich and found the back of the net.
Fans absolutely erupted, players went wild and 78-year-old Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat couldn’t believe it. What a wonderful moment for Curaçao fans in Houston in their team’s World Cup opener.
Mexico’s Biggest (Non-Human) Fan
UPDATE: The duck’s name is apparently Merlin, and it’s an absolute star.
OK, so this technically isn’t happening in the United States; it’s wonderfully delightful, and we’re here to have fun. The world has a responsibility to protect this duck, who is clearly one of Mexico’s best supporters.
Free Salsa, An Honorable Tradition
For one confused Japanese fan, it seemed odd to receive chips and salsa while visiting a Mexican restaurant without asking for them. As he wrote: “We have not earned these.”
But that’s the beauty. They are free. And they are bottomless.
So three baskets later, even before his actual food came, a valuable lesson – in courtesy, in life, in honor – was learned. You can agree that this insightful fan has most certainly earned his salsa.
Ecuador Gets Rocky
When in the City of Brotherly Love, there is no shortage of historical or cultural sites to visit. But rallying at the iconic Rocky steps is always a special experience, especially when you’re in Philadelphia to watch your team compete in the World Cup.
*cue Gonna Fly Now*
Scotland Slides Into The World Cup
Scotland’s mighty Tartan Army (as the team’s traveling fan base is known) is making itself right at home in Boston, including apparently finding — and loving — the infamous slide.
MORE FANS IN AMERICA
Times Square Takeover
It’s the city that never sleeps, and it’s the fan base that is always partying.
Ahead of Brazil’s opening World Cup group-stage match against Morocco, fans of the five-time champions took over Times Square in New York City.
The last time Brazil played at a World Cup tournament in the U.S. was in 1994, when the team ended up winning it all. So these fans are expecting another stateside trophy. And with Brazil’s last win coming in 2002, there are high hopes that the streak can be snapped this summer.
But don’t count out Morocco, which will be aiming for another semifinal run after 2022. Even rapper French Montana joined the party in Times Square to hype up the fans of the Atlas Lions.
Did Rod Stewart Cancel Concert To Watch Scotland?
Do you think you miss Rod Stewart?
Some Southern Californian natives might have felt that way this weekend. Stewart canceled his concert in San Diego on Friday night, roughly 40 minutes before he was scheduled to appear on stage, due to illness. However, Stewart was seen at Scotland’s win over Haiti at Boston Stadium on Saturday night. Stewart even posted a video of himself flying to the Boston area ahead of the match on Instagram, while a representative for Stewart told the San Diego Union-Tribune that his illness was genuine.
Ranch Dressing And Chicken + Waffles
Who doesn’t love ranch? Come on, it’s absolutely the best. Feel free to disagree, but you’d also be wrong.
An American staple:
Scotland Fans Livin’ It Up
Scotland fans seem to be having so much fun in Boston. They’ve also taken over Boston Harbor, complete with a party barge.
The fans even had one of Boston’s finest doing some keepie-uppies – pretty impressive skills there by that police officer!
Earlier this week, one Scotland fan shared his experience trying Carolina barbecue for the first time, and apparently it went so well it’s ruined his life.
He also found Buc-ee’s for the first time. Seems like it went over pretty well.
Buc-ee’s is leaning in, too.
German Fan Gets War Eagle Treatment
On the penultimate day before the start of the World Cup, German influencer Freddy wound up watching Argentina’s win over Iceland in Tuesday’s friendly at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium.
While Freddy saw Lionel Messi score a goal, he was more mesmerized by the SEC experience. The Auburn War Eagle is included.
He also made it to Waffle House and Taco Bell, among other iconic restaurants.
One of the best parts about Freddy’s trip to Waffle House in Georgia is that he didn’t even go during traditional breakfast hours, as he sat down at 1 a.m and opted for hash browns rather than waffles. But this is really the best way to experience Waffle House anyway.
Everything Is Bigger, Gulps Included
Drink up.
The smooth and soothing voice that generations of Lakers fans grew so accustomed to when Lawrence Tanter was the longtime public address announcer has put down his microphone.
Tanter, known as the “Voice of the Lakers,” has retired from his game-day role, the team announced Tuesday, and he will become a special advisor for Lakers game presentation.
Tanter, 76, sat in his courtside seat as the public address announcer for 43 years at Lakers games, starting in 1982 when they played at the Forum and lasting until late March, when the team announced he would miss a game to attend to his health. Those with knowledge of the situation who are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter said he had a stroke.
“Lawrence Tanter has been an integral part of the Lakers gameday experience for more than four decades, setting the tone for countless memorable moments with his professionalism, energy and signature booming voice,” said Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ governor. “Since the 1980s, LT has narrated every chapter of Lakers basketball, connecting generations of fans, players, coaches and staff while becoming a trusted and unforgettable part of the Lakers’ experience. I am incredibly grateful for everything he has given to this franchise.”
From the days of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, to the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal era and the current LeBron James and Luka Doncic days, Tanter was the voice that resonated.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
After originally being slated to spend the night in Los Angeles following its World Cup opener on Monday, the Iranian men’s soccer team was ordered to leave the country as soon as possible.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei said it was ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours after opening its politically charged tournament by playing to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday night.
Ghalenoei didn’t say who ordered the Iranians to leave earlier than planned. The team had expected to spend the night in California to maximize the normal recovery process after its opening game, only to be told after the match that everyone must immediately get on a plane for the 140-mile trip back to Tijuana.
WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE
The Iran national soccer team poses before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 15, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu)
“They didn’t even give us time to recover,” Ghalenoei said through an interpreter. “After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately.’ It’s very important for us to have time for recovery, (but) we are asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that.”
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi said the team endured five hours of travel and security checks during what is normally a very short trip from Tijuana to the Los Angeles area on Sunday.
Members of the Iranian National Football team arrive by bus at the Marriott Hotel in Tijuana, Mexico, after their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match against New Zealand on June 15, 2026. (Carlos Moreno/Anadolu)
HURRICANES LEGEND TURNED COACH ROD BRIND’AMOUR MAKES HISTORY AS TEAM WINS STANLEY CUP OVER GOLDEN KNIGHTS
“We don’t know why they are returning us, to be honest,” Ghalenoei said. “I think it’s very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us. The decision-making for us is being made elsewhere. We were supposed to come two nights before the game, and we were supposed to stay tonight to recover and return tomorrow at lunchtime. We have no idea why.
“I think our team is perhaps the most oppressed in the World Cup.”
Taremi called on FIFA to offer additional assistance.
“I think FIFA have to help us more than this. … Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us,” he said.
The Iranians’ remaining two games in group play are against Belgium in Inglewood on Sunday, followed by a trip to Seattle to face Egypt next week.
Iran fans celebrate wildly as their team battles New Zealand to a World Cup draw. (Photo by Liza Rosales/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE
While several hundred Iranian Americans protested the government outside, many fans from the diaspora jeered and turned their backs on the field during the national anthem. Dozens of Lion and Sun emblems — the centerpiece of Iran’s official flag before 1979 — were displayed in the crowd despite FIFA’s attempts to keep them away, while dozens more fans wore the Lion and Sun emblems on T-shirts.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
-
Los Angeles, Ca49 minutes agoNeighbors say Encino mansion brings rowdy parties, scantily clad women to quiet street
-
Detroit, MI1 hour agoWhat’s New at Newlab Detroit?
-
San Francisco, CA1 hour agoAustrian World Cup fans take over San Francisco restaurant
-
Dallas, TX1 hour agoCowboys news: George Pickens is back with the team
-
Miami, FL1 hour agoA community of creatives — inside Miami Acting Studio
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoSEE THE GOOD: Boston middle schooler selected for NBA math championship – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoAttorney for Denver Broncos defender Jonathon Cooper plays race card in domestic abuse case
-
Seattle, WA2 hours agoCal Raleigh two-run single lifts Seattle Mariners to 3-1 win over Orioles in return from injured list
