Delhi man kills schizophrenic son, lured him to shipping container on pretext of doctor visitPolice said the accused first smashed the victim’s head with a stone and then strangled him. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026, 06:43:07 IST By Karn Pratap Singh Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A
‘Good work is appreciated with more work’: Man warns employees about workplace ‘trap’A man warned that being too efficient at work could become a trap and urged employees to set clear boundaries. Published on: Aug 30, 2026, 06:36:52 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google Share via
China censors Tibet flood reports, viral video pulled down, foreign media restrictedReports from official Chinese outlets reportedly focused on rescue operations, with limited information about the scale of the damage caused by the floods. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026
Just Like That: 50 years on, why Mukesh’s voice still still resonates todayFifty years after his death, legendary singer Mukesh’s soulful voice, timeless songs and emotional depth continue to resonate with generations of listeners. Published on: Aug 30, 2026
Woman opens up about the ‘6 to 10 shift’ after office hours: ‘When will I take out time for myself?’A woman shared how responsibilities after work had left her with little time to focus on her own growth. Published on: Aug 30, 2026, 07:21:41 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google
Mbappe v Haaland
Mbappe v Haaland: Who is more important for their country?
Two of the greatest forwards in world football will go head-to-head at Boston Stadium on Friday, as France and Kylian Mbappe take on Norway and Erling Haaland.
Both nations have won their opening two group-stage matches at the World Cup, helped by devastating displays from their star strikers. Mbappe and Haaland have each scored twice in both of their opening games, leaving them on four goals for the tournament. Lionel Messi leads the race for the Golden Boot with five.
With top spot in Group I still up for grabs, both players are expected to start despite their teams having already secured qualification for the knockout stages. The match effectively serves as a playoff to determine who finishes first and, in theory, earns a more favourable path in the bracket.
BBC Sport looks at how important each player is to his team before what promises to be a captivating World Cup contest.
Although both are key players for their clubs, the importance of Mbappe and Haaland is elevated even further on the international stage.
Since August 2022, France have won 69.8% of their matches with Mbappe in the side, compared with just 50% without him.
Mbappe, France's all-time leading goalscorer, also helps make the team more productive in attack. During that period, Les Bleus have averaged 2.3 goals per game with him in the team, compared with 1.9 without him.
Given Norway's comparatively limited depth, it is no surprise that Haaland is even more crucial to his nation.
Since August 2022, Norway have won 64.5% of matches with Haaland in the team, compared with just 33.3% without him.
This World Cup has shown that neither player is daunted by the pressure of a major tournament too.
For all the focus on Messi, it feels only a matter of time before Mbappe reels him in at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.
The Frenchman trails the 39-year-old by just two goals after scoring 16 times in 16 World Cup appearances. Crucially, Mbappe is 12 years younger than Messi and, while you would not completely rule out the Argentina legend returning in four years' time, this is likely to be his final World Cup.
Haaland is playing in his first World Cup and has taken to the tournament like a Viking rower to water.
He is the sixth player in World Cup history to score multiple goals in each of his first two appearances at the tournament and only the second to do so in the past 50 years, after Harry Kane for England in 2018.
His recent form for Norway has been remarkable, too. He has scored in 12 consecutive competitive internationals, including an incredible 16 goals in his last six matches.
On the international stage, Haaland has also been the more prolific scorer overall. Mbappe has an impressive 60 international goals in 100 games, but the Norway striker is just one behind on 59 despite having played only 52 matches for his country - 48 fewer than Mbappe.
How do their games compare?
Their respective heat maps from the tournament offer an insight into where they do most of their work on the pitch.
In terms of attacking metrics for their clubs this season, Mbappe outperforms Haaland in shots, touches and chances created, although the City striker recorded more assists in 2025-26.
There is also a significant difference in their dribbling numbers, something that has been evident this summer. At this World Cup, the Frenchman has attempted 14 dribbles across the first two matches, compared with just one from Haaland.
Where Haaland has held the edge is in chance conversion. Across the past four club seasons in league matches, he has converted 23.43% of his shots, compared with Mbappe's 18.24%. This season, Mbappe narrowed the gap but was still slightly behind.
Mbappe also comes up short of Haaland in terms of his defensive contribution. For Real Madrid this season, he ranked 1,481st out of all 1,483 players to have played a minimum of 900 minutes for combined defensive contributions in the top five leagues.
Their respective and comparable importance is neatly illustrated by their recent international goal involvements.
Since August 2022, Mbappe has been involved in 44% of France's goals, contributing 33 goals and 17 assists. During the same period, Haaland has contributed 39 goals and four assists, accounting for 43.9% of Norway's goal involvements.
France, of course, have loftier ambitions this summer and are among the favourites to win the tournament. Even Haaland himself has said he believes Les Bleus will beat Norway on Friday and go on to lift the trophy.
Norway are capable of giving the French a bloody nose though, especially with the game's most dominant penalty-box predator in red-hot form. With Haaland, it would be foolish to put a lid on their ambitions.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Haaland? Kane? R9? Ranking the best centre-forwards this century Totti, Puyol, Maldini, Carragher - ranking football's greatest one-club men From 'a beautiful night' to 'world's greatest hangover' Paediatricians Explain Why Babies Face The Greatest Risk From Post-Fireworks Smog Bihar voter list revision is ‘greatest threat’ to democracy India’s democracy is its greatest shield against a Nepal-style revolution Britain produces some of the greatest models Vanga was ‘scared’ Arjun Reddy interval wouldn't match up to the ‘greatest’ The man who became one of India's greatest stage queens Bangladesh thrash Australia in one of Test cricket's greatest upsets
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday asked newspaper Anandabazar Patrika to apologise for using the phrase “saffron hooliganism” in its headline to describe the August 20 clash between student groups at Jadavpur University. “I will ask a news outlet in West Bengal to do
1 hours ago
Across the globe in Australia, a toddler with speech delays delighted her family with her first word - "orange" - after she and her twin sister received a free book in the post about colours. It came from Imagination Library, the literacy programme begun by late global superstar Dolly Parton
1 hours ago
The US government plans a 35% passive stake in Alejandro Betancourt's energy company. It also seeks preferential rights to purchase 20% of production at cost. This investment is structured through penny warrants for equity without significant capital outlay
1 hours ago
Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has appealed to BJP MPs from the state. He urged them to demand the reversal of the recently passed mining bill. Patnaik stated the legislation would cause significant financial losses for Odisha. He also mentioned the bill takes away control over the state's mineral
1 hours ago
Here is important news for State Bank of India (SBI) account holders. If you have an account with the State Bank, you should be aware of this update, as it will impact your finances starting October 1st. SBI has made significant changes to its transaction charge policies—specifically regarding
1 hours ago
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has partnered with MakeMyTrip to cover the applicable UAE entry visa fee for eligible Indian travellers booking hotel stays in Abu Dhabi. Under the initiative, travellers who make an eligible booking for a stay of three nights or more can have the
1 hours ago
A series of major disasters has made the number 26 seem unusually unlucky, and the date has once again drawn attention after the deadly Nepal floods on August 26, this year. From earthquakes and floods to terror attacks, several tragedies have been linked to the date
1 days ago
Former Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno was sentenced Friday (August 28, 2026) to 5 years in prison after a court found him guilty of accepting bribes from a Chinese company in exchange for helping it secure a contract to build a hydroelectric plant
1 days ago
Can you name a single woman Renaissance master? Updated on: Aug 29, 2026, 13:08:29 IST By Gowri S Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The bias in art history has marginalized women's contributions, leading to forgotten works. From forgotten Renaissance masters to overlooked abstract pioneers:
1 days ago
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday accused the BJP of using threatening rhetoric against India’s youth after BJP Karnataka shared a social media video featuring the term “Dimaagi Naxals”. Other opposition voices also criticised the post
1 days ago
Republicans are worried about the midterms. Trump is focused on his legacy.As his approval ratings sag, Trump is on a mission to burnish his legacy, according to his advisers. Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 14:00:57 IST WSJ Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link WASHINGTON—President Trump this week
1 days ago
Rahul Gandhi demanded an FIR against individuals performing a purification ritual. He alleged this ritual reflected the BJP-RSS mindset against Dalits. Gandhi stated the act amounted to untouchability and violated constitutional law. He linked the incident to an ideological battle for the
1 days ago
Amaal Mallik recently took to social media to announce a break from his film music career. “Need a break for my mind, body, soul and overall physical healing. Need to rise, recuperate and bounce back soon with a heart full of melodies (sic)," he wrote
1 days ago
Tax breaks for charity donations should be scrappedThey are a poor way to do good Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 12:00:55 IST The Economist Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Over more than 20 years Sheldon Solow, an American property billionaire who died in 2020
1 days ago
Who is Jennifer Gledhill? Utah woman accused of killing husband Matthew Johnson in 2024 as body may finally be foundNew court records show investigators are seeking data from Jennifer Gledhill's Oura Ring, believing it could reveal where her husband's body was taken. Published on: Aug 29, 2026
1 days ago
Mohan Bhagwat billboard appears in Times Square ahead of RSS chief’s New York eventVideos showed his image prominently displayed at the iconic Manhattan location ahead of the August 29 programme. Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 13:42:58 IST By HT News Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A
1 days ago
Techie who started career with TCS reveals ‘things that surprised’ him after joining MicrosoftThe techie talked about various perks offered to employees at Microsoft and how his outlook towards corporate world changed after joining the company. Updated on: Aug 29, 2026
1 days ago
A monthly rent of Rs 29,000 can mean very different things depending on the location, size and facilities offered. One Noida tenant has shared what she gets for that amount, including a semi-furnished flat and several society amenities. Tanu Bhardwaj gave viewers a look at her rental home in
1 days ago
A federal judge on Friday (August 28, 2026) ruled that laws that President Donald Trump’s administration used to cancel visas and initiate deportation proceedings against noncitizen college students based on their pro-Palestinian advocacy and criticism of Israel are unconstitutional
1 days ago
Did Mica Miller have kids, where are John Paul 'JP' Miller's kids now? Latest update amid Death of a Pastor's WifeMica Miller was 30 when she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at North Carolina’s Lumber River State Park on April 27, 2024. Published on: Aug 29, 2026
1 days ago
A special court has taken cognisance of the National Investigation Agency’s chargesheet in connection with the November 10 blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, ANI reported on Saturday. This paves the way for judicial proceedings in the case to begin. The NIA has named 13 persons in the chargesheet
1 days ago
Sweating more doesn’t mean burning more fat: Fitness trainer busts common workout myths, reveals what actually works Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 13:13:43 IST By Akanksha Agnihotri Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Fitness trainer Chadoy Leon emphasises that soreness and sweat do not equate
1 days ago
Across the globe in Australia, a toddler with speech delays delighted her family with her first word - "orange" - after she and her twin sister received a free book in the post about colours. It came from Imagination Library, the literacy programme begun by late global superstar Dolly Parton
1 days ago
Whether you are beginning your mindful eating journey or are someone who is a pro at ensuring you hit protein goals every day, eating healthy is more than one thing. When you only focus on one part of your plate, it can negatively affect your body and health even if you are eating all the eggs
1 days ago
Congress leaders on Friday alleged that Penguin Random House India succumbed to pressure from the Union government with respect to former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that the publisher was under pressure
1 days ago
Liverpool have agreed a deal worth up to £123m for Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. PSG initially valued the France attacker at £145m, but the Reds have agreed a package worth an initial £106m with £17m in potential add-ons. The 23-year-old is expected to have a medical this weekend
1 days ago
AIMIM expels Telangana MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig; asks him to resign from postThe party has not officially disclosed the grounds for Baig’s expulsion. It is also not immediately known whether he was served any prior notice Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 13:59:53 IST By Srinivasa Rao Apparasu
1 days ago
