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World Cup heartbreak for former Celt Kristoffer Ajer
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- World Cup heartbreak for former Celt Kristoffer Ajer
World Cup heartbreak for former Celt Kristoffer Ajer
World Cup Heartbreak for former Celt Kristoffer Ajer as Norway lose in extra-time to England in last night's quarter-final…
Former Celtic favourite Kristoffer Ajer suffered heartbreak along with not just the Norwegian population, but the majority of the Scottish viewers, as the Norway national side were eliminated from the World Cup quarter finals by England in a dramatic contest on Saturday night.
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Norway were the much better side on the night, but spurned opportunities, and a VAR influenced disallowed goal cost them a place in the last four of the competition at the expense of Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions. The English were more admittedly more clinical when it came to taken their opportunities, which were limited on the night thanks to a defensive unit inspired by the presence of the former Celtic quadruple winning central defender.
Ajer himself almost became a instant Norwegian legend only to see his header hit the bar with the scores level at 1-1, and with the Norwegians well on top at the time. If it had hit the back of the net, then Stale Solbakken's men would have most likely prevailed and won the game to earn their place in the semi-finals.
The towering centre back won multiple honours during his time in Glasgow. The Celtic support will forever remember for his cool and composed winning spot kick in the Covid delayed 2020 Scottish Cup final that cinched the unsurpassed quadruple treble.
Last night he had an impressive game snuffing out the prolific Harry Kane . However Ajer and his Norwegian teammates were left disappointed byJude Bellingham's inspired finishing. Bellingham was the difference maker for England ad his winner just at the start of extra-time was reminiscent of Porto's opener in the UEFA Cup Final back in Seville in 2003.
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England might have prevailed in the end to book a semi-final showdown with old adversaries Argentina , but Norway where by far the better side, and more worthy of winning the game, with their players including Kristoffer putting in a much more competent and spirited performance. Norway had the better chances and made England – Bellingham apart – look very ordinary indeed.
Kristoffer Ajer has become a solid performer in the EPL with Brentford , and is now a stand out player for the Norwegian national side at the highest possible level in football,. That will come as no surprise to any of us who studied him closely at Celtic.
Kristoffer Ajer and his teammates can hold their heads high when they return to Oslo for what will be a heroes welcome which will be fully deserved. If Norway can do it why can't Scotland ?
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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