Wayne Rooney has been left red-faced after Erling Haaland called him out over a previous World Cup wager. Rooney had joked that he would row down the River Mersey if Norway reached the quarter-finals, and after Haaland's brace helped Norway beat Brazil 2-1, the bet came due.
Rooney's Bold Declaration
Speaking before Norway's match against Brazil, Rooney said: "If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I'll go in the River Mersey and row down it." Norway's victory marked their first ever World Cup quarter-final appearance.
Haaland's Response
Haaland, who has scored seven goals in five World Cup matches, addressed Rooney directly: "I'm looking forward to seeing you, Wayney boy. Wayne Rooney said he was going to row if we went to the quarter-finals. So Wayne Rooney, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip."
Rooney's Concession
Pressed to respond, Rooney admitted: "Yeah, I won't be doing that again." He then dragged former teammates Micah Richards and Joe Hart into the wager, saying: "Big Meeks is going to come along. So me, Meeks and Harty, we're all taking part. We're just trying to get it put together to do it on the Hudson River in New York."
Alternative Plan from Liverpool Mayor
The Mayor of Liverpool offered an alternative, suggesting Rooney could captain the new £26m Mersey Ferry instead of rowing. Norway will face England in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday.
