Haaland Becomes Norway's All-time Leading Scorer

Norway's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Norway and Slovenia at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Norway, 10 October 2024.  EPA/Terje Pedersen
Norway's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Norway and Slovenia at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Norway, 10 October 2024. EPA/Terje Pedersen
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Haaland Becomes Norway's All-time Leading Scorer

Norway's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Norway and Slovenia at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Norway, 10 October 2024.  EPA/Terje Pedersen
Norway's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Norway and Slovenia at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Norway, 10 October 2024. EPA/Terje Pedersen

Erling Haaland marked his first game as Norway captain by becoming his country's all-time leading scorer — then appeared to indicate he will soon become a father.
The Manchester City striker scored in the seventh and 62nd minutes of Norway's 3-0 win over Slovenia in the Nations League on Thursday to move onto 34 international goals.
That's one more than the late Jorgen Juve on Norway's list of record scorers. Juve, on 33 goals, held the record since the 1930s.
“I’m proud,” Haaland was quoted as telling Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet. “It is a record that has stood for a long time.”
The 24-year-old Haaland, who has played only 36 games for Norway, posted a picture on X of himself sucking his left thumb and with a ball under his jersey. Above the picture were baby and “coming soon” emojis.



Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
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Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA

French coach Hervé Renard has confirmed the Saudi national football team's readiness to compete in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, from 21 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, and stressed that the team aims to achieve great results, rather than merely gain experience.
Renard also said the tournament is a valuable opportunity to enhance the players' technical and physical capabilities, SPA reported.
Speaking at a press conference, Renard said: "We are here to participate effectively and win. This tournament provides a great platform to work with the players and prepare them for future competitions."
Regarding the team's condition, Renard said that player Hassan Tambakti is ready for action, while Salem Al-Dawsari is "working on regaining full fitness".

He commended Al-Dawsari for his dedication to speeding up his recovery. Meanwhile, Firas Al-Brikan is dealing with an injury, and his availability will depend on further evaluations, said Renard.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Renard said: "I accepted this challenge because I believe in the players' capabilities. We must work with team spirit and focus on improvement in the coming period."
As far as the team's opening match against Bahrain is concerned, Renard said: "We are preparing for a tough game. The preparation period was crucial, and our focus now is on delivering a strong performance."
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting start to their Gulf Cup matches. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in their opening match.