Pundits at this World Cup have had plenty to enjoy given the performances of all the big names, with Haaland and Kane no exception.
Speaking after the win over Brazil, ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart described Haaland as “an absolute monster”.
“He’s taken all the stress out of everything,” Hart added. “He is so relaxed, is taking care of business on the pitch and enjoying every minute at the World Cup.”
Former England captain Wayne Rooney agreed, saying: “Haaland has given his whole country the belief they can go really far in the competition.”
When describing Kane’s winner against DR Congo, the pair were equally glowing.
“It’s sublime,” Rooney said. “Like all great centre-forwards, he doesn’t even have to look at the goalkeeper – it’s instinctive.”
Hart added: “He trusts his technique and from the moment the ball left his foot, he would have been celebrating.”
Haaland and Kane have actually only played each other twice, and both in the space of three weeks in early 2023. Haaland claimed the first, scoring the equaliser as City came from two goals down to win 4-2 at Etihad Stadium.
Kane got his revenge at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium shortly after as he grabbed the only goal in a 1-0 victory, becoming Spurs’ all-time leading scorer in the process.
The gloves are off with a World Cup semi-final on the line.