Absent in Qatar

This World Cup is without a few prominent teams and stars. But, this could be the last time we would be missing big names

- KARTHIK RAVINDRANATH

THE UK GOVERNMENT got an unusual petition in October. It sought the removal of Erling Haaland from the Premier League "for being a robot" and, reportedly, got over two million signatures before it was withdrawn. Had it continued, the parliament would have been forced to debate it.

Another petition, on Change.org, titled 'Remove Erling Haaland from the UK, terms him a serious problem who "consistently ruins the weekends of hardworking people”. It also calls the Manchester City striker a threat to national security, “as he is inflicting severe mental health issues on us all”.

These petitions by fans of rival clubs are clearly meant to be humorous (hopefully). But, they indicate the impact Haaland has had on this season. Till October 25, he had 17 goals and three assists in 11 Premier League games, and 22 goals and three assists in 15 games in all competitions. With less than a month to go for the World Cup, there is little doubt that Haaland is the most in-form striker in the world. But, the 6’4” Norwegian, who has 21 goals and three assists from 23 games for his country, will not be in action at Qatar 2022 as the national side failed to qualify.

More than the goals, it is the uniqueness of Haaland’s game that will be missed. There is simply no one like him in world football today—with the combination of extreme physicality, explosive pace, precise finishing, sharp movement and key mental attributes like persistence and temperament. However, for Norway to qualify, either the Netherlands or Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal would have had to miss out. So, on the balance of it, perhaps this was preferable. Haaland, 22, should have many years left in him and alongside the likes of Norway and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, 23, he should be able to get the team into future World Cups.