World Cup analysts have had plenty to relish thanks to standout displays from the tournament’s biggest stars, with Haaland and Kane front and center.
After the win over Brazil, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart hailed Haaland as a force of nature, saying he’s removed any sense of pressure, looks calm, is getting the job done on the pitch, and is clearly loving every moment.
Ex-England captain Wayne Rooney agreed, noting that Haaland has injected real belief into his country that they can go deep in the tournament.
The duo were just as effusive about Kane’s winner against DR Congo. Rooney called the finish exquisite, pointing out that, like the best No. 9s, he struck by pure instinct without needing to glance at the goalkeeper. Hart added that Kane trusted his technique and likely knew it was in the moment it left his boot.
Haaland and Kane have actually met only twice, both in early 2023. Haaland netted the equalizer as Manchester City came from two down to win 4-2 at the Etihad. Soon after, Kane hit back at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the only goal in a 1-0 victory, a strike that made him Spurs’ all-time leading scorer.
Now, with a World Cup semi-final on the line, it’s game on.