There was plenty for pundits to cheer about at this World Cup, given the performances of all the big names, with the exception of Haaland and Kane.
Speaking after the win over Brazil, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart called Haaland an “absolute monster”.
“He took all the stress off himself,” Hart added. “He’s so relaxed, taking care of business on the field and enjoying every minute of the World Cup.”
Former England captain Wayne Rooney agreed, saying: “Haaland gave his country the belief that they could go very far in the competition.”
Describing Kane’s victory against DR Congo, the pair were equally as colorful.
“It’s great,” Rooney said. “Like all great centre-forwards, he doesn’t even have to look at the goalkeeper – it’s instinctive.”
Hart added: “He trusts his technique and from the moment the ball left his foot he would be celebrating.”
In fact, Haaland and Kane have only played each other twice, both over three weeks at the start of 2023. Haaland made his mark first with an equalizer as City came from two goals down to win 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium.
Kane exacted his revenge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium shortly afterwards, scoring the only goal in a 1–0 win, becoming Spurs’ all-time leading scorer in the process.
The gloves are off, the World Cup semi-final is on the line.