Gareth Bale quit football at age of 33 AL-RAYYAN, QATAR - ARCHIVE: A file photo dated November 21, 2022 shows Gareth Bale 11 of Wales reacts during FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qatar 2022 Group B match between USA and Wales at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Qatar on November 21, 2022. Gareth Bale, who plays in Los Angeles, one of the American First Division MLS, Fussball Herren, USA teams, ended his active football life at the age of 33. Ar Rayyan Qatar. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxTURxUSAxCANxUKxJPNxITAxFRAxAUSxESPxBELxKORxRSAxHKGxNZL Copyright: x2025xAnadoluxMustafaxYalcÄnx
Norway midfielder Thelo Aasgaard has etched his name into Rangers history by scoring at the 2026 World Cup, the first Ibrox player to do so since 1998.
The 24-year-old endured a difficult debut season at Rangers, struggling to nail down a regular starting position under either Russell Martin or Danny Rohl.
Despite his inconsistent club form, Aasgaard did enough to earn a place in Norway’s World Cup squad ahead of the tournament.
He was handed a surprise start by coach Stale Solbakken against France in the final group stage game, with Norway already trailing 2-0 and needing a result.
Aasgaard seized his opportunity brilliantly, producing a moment of individual quality to pull one back for his nation and spark hope of a comeback.
His goal came after a piece of clever footwork on the edge of the box that completely deceived Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, opening up space to shoot.
He then drove a low finish beyond goalkeeper Mike Maignan, sending the ball into the net and giving Norway a lifeline in the contest.
ITV commentator Jon Champion noted the significance of the moment, saying: “Thelo Aasgaard, by the way, the first Rangers player to score at a World Cup since Brian Laudrup for Denmark against Brazil in 1998.”
Rangers legend Ally McCoist, commentating alongside Champion, had previously been critical of Aasgaard’s signing but was visibly won over by the Norwegian’s moment of brilliance.
McCoist said: “It’s beautiful body movement, he takes it away from Olise. Beautiful finish. It’s beautiful body movement, and the finish is excellent.”
He added: “It’s a lovely goal, wasn’t it? The defender just buys the dummy. He goes as if he is going to go left hand side, that gets him his yard.”
Champion also highlighted Aasgaard’s impressive international record, pointing out: “He is early in his career, his record is impressive. Six international goals in nine international games.”
McCoist conceded simply: “Very impressive,” acknowledging the player he had previously singled out as a recruitment misfire.
The Ibrox icon had been outspoken about Rangers’ transfer business, stating: “The problem is they’ve spent a lot of money as well. You spend £4m on Antman. £3.5m on Aasgaard.”
McCoist had gone further, saying: “This is the one I can’t believe — you spent £4.5m on Oscar Cortes and put him out on loan. I mean, that is just unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable recruitment.”
When McCoist joked about the legendary Laudrup by quipping “He wasn’t too bad either, just for the record,” it underlined just how remarkable the comparison truly is.
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