Former Celtic Defender Makes History

Former Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer is helping write a remarkable chapter in Norwegian football after his country reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

Ajer spent five years at Celtic, making 176 appearances, winning nine trophies and establishing himself as a key figure at the heart of the defence before joining Brentford in July 2021.

Now 28, he has become a regular in the Premier League and is enjoying the biggest moment of his international career.

Norway have already ended a 28-year wait to reach the World Cup, qualifying for the tournament for the first time since France 1998. They have not stopped there.

After finishing second in their group, three points behind France, they overcame Côte d’Ivoire in the Round of 32 to book a meeting with Brazil.

The five-time world champions proved no match for the Norwegians, as Ajer and his teammates came through a tense contest with a famous 2-1 victory.

Ajer took to Instagram after the match to celebrate the iconic win.

 

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A post shared by Kristoffer Ajer (@kristoffer.v.ajer)

The former Celtic defender played the full 90 minutes, although it was not without a scare. Ajer conceded a penalty during the match, only for his goalkeeper to come to the rescue with a vital save.

Rather than let that moment define his night, the centre-half settled back into the game and helped keep Brazil under control during a crucial spell when they threatened to take command.

Erling Haaland proved the difference at the other end, striking twice, including the opening goal in the 79th minute, as Norway secured a place in the last eight.

It is another significant milestone for a Norwegian side that continues to exceed expectations, and Ajer has been central to that success throughout the tournament.

Norway’s reward is a quarter-final clash with England on Saturday, July 11, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with a place in the semi-finals now on the line.

It is encouraging to see a former Celtic player thriving on football’s biggest stage, particularly one who left such a strong impression during his time in Glasgow.

There is still current Celtic interest in the competition, too. Defender Auston Trusty remains involved with the United States, who face Belgium at 1am UK time on Wednesday.

Alistair Johnston’s tournament ended in disappointment after Canada were eliminated by Morocco, although they also made history by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time.

Johnston will now be afforded an extended break before returning to Celtic later this month ahead of the new campaign.