Miami: Norway boss says England are favourites for World Cup semi-finals
Norway Prepares for Quarter-Final Clash
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has indicated that England are considered favourites to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. The two nations are set to face each other in a quarter-final match in Miami. Solbakken acknowledged England’s strong position but noted they are not overwhelming favourites.
The upcoming match will see Norway, who recently eliminated five-time world champions Brazil in the last 16, take on England. Solbakken expressed that England likely faces more pressure than his squad, though he also emphasized the internal pressure his team places on their own performance. He believes that once the game begins, players tend to focus solely on the match itself rather than external pressures.
Norway’s team features several players with experience in the Premier League, including Arsenal‘s captain Martin Odegaard and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. Solbakken highlighted the historical significance of facing either Brazil or England in the World Cup, considering them among the biggest nations in the tournament’s history.
Haaland and Kane in Focus
The quarter-final match has drawn attention to the prolific goal-scorers on both sides: Norway’s Erling Haaland and England’s captain Harry Kane. Haaland has scored seven goals during Norway’s journey to the quarter-finals, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1998 and their furthest progression in the tournament.
Solbakken, however, stressed that the match is a contest between Norway and England, not solely between Haaland and Kane. He acknowledged both players as primary match-winners for their respective teams but cautioned against underestimating other players. Haaland, he noted, requires service from his teammates to be effective.
Former Norway international John Arne Riise also weighed in, describing Haaland as the best striker in world football. Riise praised Haaland’s goal-scoring ability, power, and professionalism, highlighting his respectful conduct on the pitch. Riise, who typically supports England in major tournaments when Norway is not participating, stated his full support for his home country in this encounter.
Norway’s path to the quarter-finals included victories over Iraq, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Brazil, with Haaland consistently performing well. Solbakken expressed admiration for England’s performance, particularly their 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the last 16, despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the match after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off.
Solbakken commended England’s ability to create chances and utilize their key players like Jude Bellingham and Kane in strong positions. He also noted England’s depth on the wings and the midfield presence of Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice. Norway maintained 66.4% possession in their win against Brazil, though Solbakken does not anticipate a similar statistic against England, citing the hotter conditions and a lighter training regimen focused on freshness for the match.
A Nation United and Hopes for Progression
Thousands of Norway fans have traveled to Miami for what is considered one of the most significant football matches in the country’s history. Solbakken, who played for Norway in the 1998 World Cup, remarked that the team’s run in the tournament has brought the country together, with the entire nation anticipating the upcoming game.
Riise believes that if Norway can overcome England, they have the potential to win the World Cup. While he initially thought a quarter-final spot would be their maximum achievement, their performance has changed his expectations. He acknowledged France as strong favourites but maintained that Norway could win if they have a perfect day in their remaining matches, despite some reservations about the strength of their back four.
During a news conference, Solbakken also paid tribute to his childhood idol, former Liverpool player and England manager Kevin Keegan. Solbakken, who is 58, recalled Keegan’s impact on him and expressed hopes for Keegan’s well-being, mentioning Keegan’s stage four cancer diagnosis in June.
The winner of Saturday’s quarter-final will advance to face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta next Wednesday for a spot in the final on 19 July.
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Source: bbc.com
