Miami set to host World Cup quarter-final as Norway boss backs England
England are considered favourites to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, according to Norway manager Stale Solbakken. The two nations are set to meet in a quarter-final match in Miami on Saturday. Norway secured their place in the last eight after defeating five-time world champions Brazil in the previous round, marking their furthest progression in a World Cup since 1998.
During an interview, Solbakken stated that while England are favourites, they are not overwhelming ones. He also suggested that England might be under more pressure than Norway, though he acknowledged that his own team also places pressure on their performance. He believes that once the game begins, players tend not to focus on external pressure.
Squad Strength and Tactical Considerations
Norway’s squad 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. The winner of Saturday’s quarter-final will advance to face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta next Wednesday, with a spot in the 19 July final at stake.
The upcoming match has drawn attention to the prolific goal-scoring abilities of Haaland, who has scored seven goals during Norway’s campaign, and England captain Harry Kane, who has six goals in five games. Solbakken, however, emphasised that the contest is between Norway and England as teams, rather than a direct duel between the two strikers. He acknowledged that both Kane and Haaland are key match-winners for their respective sides, but cautioned against underestimating other players in the Norway squad.
Solbakken noted that Haaland requires service to be effective and highlighted the importance of a collective effort. He 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 period after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off. Solbakken praised England’s ability to create chances and get their best players into good positions, mentioning Jude Bellingham and Kane as examples of match-winners. He also pointed out England’s depth on the wings and their midfield stability with players like Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice.
Tactically, Norway had 66.4% possession in their win against Brazil. However, Solbakken does not anticipate a similar level of possession against England. He also mentioned the hot conditions in Miami, which have led to lighter training sessions for Norway to ensure player freshness for the match.
Haaland’s Impact and Norway’s Team Play
The presence of Erling Haaland makes Norway a formidable opponent. A key tactical challenge for England will be to limit the service to Haaland, as he is known for his clinical finishing. He is particularly effective in the penalty box, where his explosive movement can put defenders in difficult positions. Haaland’s ability to score with various techniques, including one-touch finishes and powerful shots, makes him a constant threat. His relaxed demeanour and enjoyment of the tournament are seen as a dangerous sign for England.
Despite Haaland’s individual brilliance, Norway is not considered a one-man team. They are described as a patient build-up team, as demonstrated in their victory over Brazil, where they maintained control and utilised their wingers effectively. The longevity of Stale Solbakken’s tenure as coach, spanning six-and-a-half years, is seen as a contributing factor to their cohesive play. Other key players include Antonio Nusa, who has been in productive form on the left wing, and Oscar Bobb, whose cameo appearances have been impactful. Martin Ødegaard also plays a crucial role, linking play from higher midfield areas.
Norway’s ability to build from the back and their fluid, progressive midfield create overloads that can challenge opponents. Their wingers possess strong dribbling skills, and their midfielders are adept at arriving in the box. To counter this, England’s full-backs will need to prevent crosses, and midfielders must close down spaces to stop inside passes and creative play in central areas. Norway’s use of two high No 8s will require England to make it difficult for them to get on the ball.
The conditions in Miami, particularly the heat, are expected to be a significant factor, potentially leading to a slower tempo in the match. England’s ability to cope with setbacks was evident in their win against Mexico, where they showed character to score a third goal after going down to ten men. While England may possess more individual talent, every World Cup match is challenging. England are considered well-prepared, with a mix of experience and the confidence gained from their recent victory. The challenge for them will be to maintain their intensity in the Miami heat.
Thousands of Norway fans have travelled to Miami for the match, which Solbakken described as one of the biggest in the country’s football history. He noted that the World Cup run has united the country. Solbakken also paid tribute to his childhood idol, former Liverpool player and England manager Kevin Keegan, who is battling stage four cancer. Solbakken, who is 58, recalled watching Match of the Day in his youth and following Liverpool, with Keegan being his hero.
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Source: bbc.co.uk