«When you drink, you see the game differently»: Roy Keane responds to his father
According to Championat.
Context
Norway, led by Erling Haaland, showed potential at the 2026 World Cup, but their early elimination highlights the need for evolution. Roy Keane's response to Alf-Inge Haaland's criticism highlights the importance of an objective analysis of the team's performance, regardless of refereeing decisions. The future of the Norwegian team on the international stage will depend on its ability to learn from this experience and prepare for the challenges to come.
Why this matters
Norway's elimination in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup marks a critical point in the trajectory of the team, which included star Erling Haaland. The criticism of the refereeing raised by Alf-Inge Haaland reflects the frustration of a team that expected a more favorable performance. The discussion about the influence of refereeing on the result could impact the way teams approach future tournaments, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.
Main conclusions
- «When you drink, you see the game differently»: Roy Keane responds to his father.
- Roy Keane reacted to the statements of Alf-Inge Haaland, who ironically thanked the referee after the England-Norway (1-2) at the 2026 World Cup, maintaining that the decisions did not deprive the Norwegians of victory.
- Эрлинг Холанд remains central to Норвегия's plans.
Roy Keane responded forcefully to criticism from Alf-Inge Haaland, father of Erling Haaland, who had ironically thanked the referee after Norway's elimination against England (1-2) in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The statements by the former captain of the Republic of Ireland national team were recorded by The Touchline platform, on the social network X.
“Will he even remember this game? It seems like he's always drinking at games. When you drink, you see the game differently. We can discuss some decisions, but it cannot be said that the referee took away the victory from Norway", said Keane, putting the brakes on Alf-Inge Haaland's reading of the match.
The match was supervised by a refereeing team led by Clément Turpin, a French international. The 1-2 outcome meant Norway's elimination in the quarter-finals and England's passage to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where the Three Lions have a meeting with Argentina. Alf-Inge Haaland's reaction, thanking "the referee" for England's presence in the next phase, sparked debate online, but Keane countered that, despite debatable moves, there were not enough elements to support the idea that the refereeing alone determined the result.
The 2026 World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, between June 11th and July 19th, in an expanded edition that brings together 48 teams. Argentina is the defending champion, after beating France in the Qatar 2022 final, in an epic game that ended 3-3 in regulation time and extra time, later decided on penalties (4-2).
Keane, known for his direct speech since his playing days and today a regular figure in studio analysis, sought to refocus the discussion on the teams' performance on the field and the natural limit of human error in refereeing. He recognized that decisions can be subject to debate — as almost always happens in games with high rotation and maximum pressure — but rejected the narrative of decisive favor, remembering that England built the advantage on the field that allowed them to advance in the tournament.
On the Norwegian side, the frustration at exiting the knockout stages is understandable, especially in a balanced duel with a lot at stake, but Keane's emphasis points to a cooler analysis of the game. With England already focused on the semi-finals against the defending champions, attention now shifts to tactical details and the physical management of a tight calendar in a World Cup that spans three host countries and will demand maximum depth and concentration from those who aspire to lift the trophy.
What happens next
With England advancing to the semi-finals, the focus now falls on their clash with Argentina, a match that promises to be exciting. Norway, on the other hand, will have to reevaluate its strategy and performance for the next competitions, including qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The pressure to improve the team's performance will be intense, especially with the presence of talents like Haaland on the field.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the game between Norway and England?
Norway lost to England 1-2 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
How did the result impact the 2026 World Cup table?
Norway's elimination allowed England to advance to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Who will be England's next opponent?
England will face Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
What
said Roy Keane about criticism of refereeing?
Roy Keane responded to Alf-Inge Haaland's criticism, stating that there was not enough evidence to support that the refereeing determined the result of the game.
When is the 2026 World Cup taking place?
The 2026 World Cup takes place between June 11 and July 19, 2026, in the United States, Canada and Mexico.