Erling Haaland Returns to Norway with Taxidermy Raccoon

Norway striker Erling Haaland returned home after his team's World Cup quarterfinal exit with an unusual souvenir: a taxidermy raccoon holding a whiskey bottle. The $750 (€658) item, purchased at Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas, has sparked a run on similar products.

The Purchase

Haaland visited the store after Norway's round of 32 win over Ivory Coast, initially seeking a cowboy hat. He left with the raccoon, two taxidermy squirrels, boots, and a "Y'all Can Kiss My Dallas" T-shirt Source: latimes. The store's co-owner noted Haaland's entourage was "chill and relaxed" during the visit Source: latimes.

Viral Reaction

The raccoon quickly became an internet sensation. Haaland posted on Instagram: "It followed me home" Source: latimes. The item, known as a Whiskey Raccoon, is now sold out, with three more on order. The store has expanded international shipping to Norway, Germany, the UK, Brazil, and Australia Source: latimes.

Context

The purchase occurred amid Norway's World Cup run, where Haaland scored seven goals. The team lost to England 2-1 in the quarterfinals Source: euronewsen. The raccoon has overshadowed the exit, with fans and media focusing on the quirky souvenir.

Meanwhile, security preparations are underway for the England-Argentina semifinal in Atlanta, with the Atlanta Police Department enhancing public safety measures Source: euronewsen.