Ståle Solbakken, head coach of the Norwegian national football team, revealed on Monday the severe online abuse that Alexander Sørloth, the team's striker, has faced after Norway's elimination from the 2026 World Cup by England. Solbakken said in a press conference in Miami: 'It's tragic, this is the world we live in. I ask players to stay away from social media, especially on days like this. There is nothing more to say except that this is completely irrational at every possible level.' The abuse began after Sørloth chose to shoot instead of passing to Erling Haaland, his unmarked teammate, during a decisive counter-attack where two attackers faced a single defender, with Norway leading 1-0. The attempt was saved, and England equalized minutes later, before going on to win 2-1 after extra time. Lena Selnes, Sørloth's girlfriend, posted screenshots on her Instagram account highlighting a barrage of hostile messages, including comments urging the striker to end his life. Sørloth, 30, who plays for Atlético Madrid, defended his decision after the match, explaining that England defender John Stones had blocked the passing lane to Haaland, adding: 'The only thing I wanted to do in that situation was to pass to Erling, but I felt the passing angle was not available, so I decided to shoot.'