Rest calculated for the Vikings
Norway decided not to force its starters in the match against France, which defined the leadership of Group I. Coach Stale Solbakken’s strategy was clear: preserve Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard for the round of 16 clash against the Ivory Coast in Dallas.
“No team had so little rest between the last game and this one, and we have another game in a few days, so there is nothing to think about,” Solbakken justified.
Odegaard supported the measure: “We have to do what is best for the team. The coach was clear, and we agreed with him.”
The winner of this match will face Brazil, who beat Japan 2-1. The round of 16 duel will be on July 5 in New Jersey.
Haaland on a roll and the challenge of the Elephants
The Nordics return to the top competition after 28 years of absence. Their attack, led by Haaland, has been decisive: four goals in two group stage matches. The Manchester City striker has scored 24 goals in 12 consecutive games with his national team. In the World Cup, he is two goals behind Lionel Messi and one behind Kylian Mbappé.
But Ivory Coast will not be an easy rival. For the first time in four World Cup appearances, the Elephants made it past the first round. His offensive game, with Amad Diallo and the revelation Yan Diomandé – for whom Paris Saint-Germain has offered 100 million dollars – demands respect.
“We have been looking at Côte d’Ivoire for the last few days and I must say that I have been very impressed by the team,” said Norwegian midfielder Sander Berg. “Their way of going out on the counterattack, the quality of their attacking players and their good defensive organization mean that we expect a really difficult game tomorrow.”
Solbakken avoids getting ahead: “We are not thinking about the next opponent. We will try to win tomorrow’s match.” The Norwegian fans, who recreate the ‘Ro’ (row) in the stands, will be an extra factor in Dallas.
