Erling Haaland broke into laughter as he watched back footage of a potential dive from Norway teammate Morten Thorsby against Sweden.Norway wound up 2-1 winners over their Scandinavian rivals in group H of the Nations League on Sunday, thanks to a brace from the incoming Manchester City striker.Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga added an injury time consolation goal for Sweden in what was a disappointing defeat at the Friends Arena.
But Haaland was in good spirits at the full-time whistle, having scored the two goals to secure the win. The first of the two was a well-taken penalty after 20 minutes, although eyebrows were raised as to how Norway were actually given the penalty.
After what looked to be a rather soft coming together between Sweden's Emil Krafth and Norway's Thorsby, referee Anthony Taylor blew for a foul against the latter and awarded Norway a rather questionable penalty.
Replays showed after the fact that Thorsby had actually hurled himself over after knocking the ball inside Krafth and coming near his leg, which he clearly anticipated contact from, but never received, with Krafth stepping aside.
You can watch the questionable penalty decision below...
Haaland scores following questionable Norway penalty incident
Haaland stepped up and, of course, tucked the ball past Robin Olsen in goal, as Norway dominated the first half. He then made it 2-0 after 67 minutes, putting Sweden to the sword despite Elanga's best efforts at the end.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Haaland was asked for his thoughts on the incident, with his quotes translated by u/msbtvxq on Reddit.
"I think if he had just passed to me, I would have scored," Haaland responded, in textbook fashion, before going into detail about the incident.
"But it looked a bit "half-divy", I have to say," He admitted, questioning the strength of the challenge.
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The 21-year-old is then shown the footage, replaying the penalty incident once again, and his reaction says it all.
Haaland breaks out into laughter, unable to stop himself from chuckling as he watches back the incident, and provides some rather humorous context.
"The Italian way, you can safely say. That's something he must have brought from Italy," He claims, referring to the fact that Thorsby plays his club football with Serie A outfit Sampdoria, and suggesting that he had learned the arts of simulation over in Italy.
You can watch his reaction below...
Haaland's reaction to Norway teammate's dive
Very cheeky, Erling.
After composing himself and watching the replay through once more, he delivers his final verdict: "But he touched him... It looks like he was diving, yes, I honestly have to say, but oh well. That's how it is."
A very refreshing response to the fact his teammate was absolutely caught in the act.
While it is frustrating to see such questionable officiating plague the game, you have to admire Haaland's honesty. He is human, after all, despite his goal tallies suggesting otherwise.
Let's just hope he keeps the same attitude when he arrives to the Premier League next season.