Sorloth Targeted by Online Abuse After Norway's World Cup Exit

Norway forward Alexander Sorloth has been subjected to intense online abuse following the team's World Cup quarter-final defeat to England on Saturday, manager Stale Solbakken has revealed.

The backlash began after Sorloth chose to shoot instead of passing to an unmarked Erling Haaland during a crucial two-on-one counter-attack with Norway leading 1-0. His effort was blocked, and England equalised minutes later before securing a 2-1 victory after extra time.

Sorloth's partner, Lena Selnes, shared screenshots on Instagram showing a wave of abusive messages, including posts encouraging the Atletico Madrid striker to take his own life.

"It is tragic," Solbakken told reporters in Miami. "That is the world we live in. I tell the boys to stay away from social media, especially on days like this."

"There is nothing more to say about it other than it is completely senseless on every possible level," he added.

The 30-year-old Sorloth defended his decision after the match, saying England defender John Stones had blocked the passing lane to Haaland.

"The only thing I wanted to do in that situation was to pass to Erling," Sorloth said. "But I felt the pass wasn't on, so I decided to shoot."