I missed my son’s birth to play against Erling Haaland at Club World Cup – I didn’t realise he’d be so good

Urawa Red Diamonds face Manchester City on Tuesday and for one Norwegian star the clash takes on extra significance.

Defender Marius Hoibraten could find himself up against compatriot Erling Haaland in the Club World Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia — where he's made a huge personal sacrifice to play.

Hoibraten joined the Japanese side in January and, while he has gone head-to-head with Haaland in the past, the 28-year-old is ready to do all he can help his side tame the treble winners.

That’s because Hoibraten has faced a logistical nightmare in his attempts to get his hands on the prestigious trophy.

Despite picking up an Asian Champions League winners medal in May, Hoibraten has recently faced an even bigger life moment.

Last week he became a father for the first time, but he was unable to be present at the birth due to his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.

“It was surreal," Hoibraten told VG. “We landed in Doha from Japan when I received a message that the birth was in progress, and it had been sent a few hours ago.

“The birth was underway one week before the due date. Then it was almost straight up to maximum heart rate at once. I just had to try to get control of my breathing and the situation. I couldn't do anything, so I just had to breathe with my stomach."

He had no choice but to witness the birth via FaceTime, before he was allowed to fly home from Saudi Arabia to greet his newborn child.

“It is very, very big,” said Hoibraten. “It's the biggest thing I've experienced. It was special when I wasn't present, but I was home for twelve hours and got to say hello to my son and my fiancée."

As winners of the Asian Champions League, Urawa have given themselves the opportunity to spring a huge surprise should they beat a