Ten years ago, India’s U-17 team led Norway 0-0 in the first half of a youth international match. One player, Erling Haaland, led Norway to a match-winning victory over mighty Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 and entered the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time. The striker scored with a header in the 79th minute and then added another before the end of regular time to help his side advance. “Maybe this will write history in Norway,” Haaland said. “Everybody needs to enjoy themselves. It’s just a crazy day. It’s one of the craziest days in Norwegian history.” Just enjoy it, embrace it, enjoy the moment. “The second goal was Haaland’s seventh of this World Cup, bringing him level with Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.This is Norway’s fourth World Cup appearance and first since 1998, having been absent from the previous six tournaments. Haaland will turn 26 on July 21 and was not even born when Norway last played in the World Cup. Today, he is the most famous footballer in the country.Following Haaland’s performance, cricket commentator Joy Bhattacharja reflected on his association with Indian football.Bhattacharya pointed out that in 2016, Haaland represented the Norwegian U-16 team against the Indian U-17 team, which was preparing for the U-17 World Cup. The half ended goalless and Indian defender Sanjeev Stalin was sent off. Haaland then scored and Norway won 2-0.Match reports from June 19, 2016 are still available on the All India Football Federation website.“The Indian Colts were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute when Sanjeev received a second yellow card for a reckless tackle. Norway took the lead through Erling Braut Haaland in the 57th minute and doubled their lead when Eric Botheim’s shot found the net in the 80th minute,” it said.“After a goalless first half, Sanjeev was sent off in the 54th minute and India were reduced to 10 men. The Indian Colts failed to make up the deficit after conceding goals in the 57th and 80th minutes, and the full-time score was 2-0 in favor of Norway.”Several players from India’s under-17 team later represented the adult national team and clubs in the Indian Premier League. Haaland, meanwhile, grew into one of the leading players in world football.As Norway prepares for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, Indian football finds itself in a different situation. Among the 211 member associations of FIFA, India ranks 138th.
