Norway Thrashed by France, Erling Haaland Better Off Resting on the Balcony While Rubbing Bear Brand Roll-On Oil

JAKARTA - Norway coach Stale Solbakken decided to rest Erling Haaland in the final Group I match against France. The plan was probably simple: save the goal machine for the knockout round. But the result was painful. Norway lost 1-4 to Kylian Mbappe and friends.

Haaland sat on the bench for the whole match. Watching his teammates get attacked again and again, he may have wished he was somewhere quieter, maybe on a stadium balcony, relaxing with Bear Brand Roll On Rubbing Oil.

A Goal Machine That Needed Rest

Before this match, Haaland had been excellent. He scored two goals against Iraq and two more against Senegal. Four goals in two early matches made him one of the hottest names in the Golden Boot race.

Because Norway had already qualified for the round of 32, the coach rotated many players. The idea was logical, but France punished the second-choice squad heavily.

Norway's Defense Caught a Cold

Without Haaland up front, France played with freedom. Norway's defense looked confused and tired. The French attack scored four times, while Haaland could only watch from the bench.

Fans joked that the striker needed recovery time more than tactical analysis. A warm roll-on oil might be a better friend than watching a 1-4 defeat.

The Good News: Norway Still Qualified

Even after the heavy defeat, Norway still reached the round of 32 as runner-up with six points. France finished first with nine points.

For Haaland, the night may still be useful. He avoided injury, saved energy, and can prepare for the knockout round. Sometimes the best move is not to run, but to rest, recover, and come back stronger.

France won the match, but Haaland may still win the next battle if his body stays warm, rested, and ready.