Norway Advances at World Cup; Solbakken Manages Squad, Haaland Stars
Norway, led by coach Ståle Solbakken, competed in the World Cup group stage, winning against Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2). Solbakken praised captain Martin Ødegaard as irreplaceable and star striker Erling Haaland as the world's best, with Haaland scoring four goals in two games. He confirmed squad rotations for the final group match against France due to physical toll and advancement. The team aims for knockout stage success after a 28-year World Cup absence.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Norway boss Solbakken explains Erling Haaland substitution against England in World Cup quarter-final
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has broken his silence on the controversial decision to substitute star striker Erling Haaland during the World Cup quarter-final against England. Haaland was taken off in extra time of the 2-1 defeat, ending his streak of scoring in every international match since October 2024. Solbakken explained that the substitution was due to fatigue and a dead leg Haaland suffered in the second half, not a serious injury. The coach noted that Haaland was 'finished' and perhaps should have been substituted even earlier. The article also highlights Norway and Haaland as a feel-good story during the World Cup, with the American audience embracing Haaland's personality and Norway's Viking row celebration.
Yardbarker: SoccerSørloth and Ødegaard Criticize Refereeing and Cable Incident After Norway's World Cup Quarter-Final Loss to England
Following Norway's World Cup quarter-final elimination by England, striker Alexander Sørloth and captain Martin Ødegaard voiced their frustration and pride. Sørloth criticized the referee's decisions, claiming a foul against Erling Haaland was unjust and that England's first goal resulted from the ball hitting a ceiling cable, altering its trajectory. He argued the play should have been stopped. Ødegaard expressed deep disappointment but emphasized pride in Norway's performance, noting it was their first major tournament in years. He highlighted the unity and joy the team brought to Norway, praised the golden era of Norwegian football with players at top European clubs, and acknowledged the team's progress, stating that being disappointed by a quarter-final exit itself reflects their growth.
虎扑 - 足球Norway Coach Solbakken Proud Despite Extra-Time World Cup Loss to England
Norway's national football team coach Stale Solbakken expressed pride in his players after their 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the 2026 World Cup. Solbakken noted that Norway could have scored a second goal before halftime but England equalized, and he refused to complain about the result. He praised his team's phenomenal performance throughout the tournament and highlighted the strong bond with fans. Solbakken addressed a disallowed goal in the second half, accepting the referee and VAR decision as correct. He explained the substitution of star striker Erling Haaland at halftime of extra time due to fatigue and a thigh contusion. Solbakken concluded that Norway has reached a new level, improving from merely qualifying to performing well in the final stage against top teams.
RecordSolbakken: Luck Wasn't on Our Side Today; Best of Luck to England
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken spoke after his team's 1-2 World Cup quarterfinal loss to England. He expressed disappointment but praised his players' heroic performance after a difficult first 20 minutes. Solbakken acknowledged that luck was against Norway this time, contrasting it with their previous match against Brazil where fortune favored them. He noted the cruel nature of competitive sports and emphasized the need to accept defeat gracefully. Solbakken also addressed a controversial moment involving Erling Braut Haaland pushing an opponent, saying he could not recall it clearly due to the game's intensity. He thanked the Norwegian fans for their support and expressed hope that the team's World Cup journey would be remembered positively. Solbakken concluded by sincerely wishing England the best in the remainder of the tournament.
虎扑 - 足球Erling Haaland Beaten but Unbowed After Norway's World Cup Exit
The Athletic's Oliver Kay reports on Norway's World Cup quarter-final loss to England (2-1) in Miami. Despite the defeat and a dead leg that ended his involvement in extra time, star striker Erling Haaland expressed pride in Norway's first World Cup appearance this century. Haaland scored seven goals in the tournament, including a memorable brace to eliminate Brazil in the previous round. In post-match comments, he described the 40-day experience as 'the best journey' of his life, saying it 'changes Norway and changes me.' The article contrasts his upbeat demeanor with the typical devastation of World Cup exits, noting he smiled and joked shortly after the loss. The piece highlights how the tournament elevated Haaland from a European football star to a global icon.
Soccer - The AthleticNorway Coach Solbakken: Ball Likely Hit Cable, But It's Not an Excuse for Defeat
After Norway's 1-2 loss to England in the World Cup quarterfinals, head coach Ståle Solbakken addressed the media. He acknowledged a controversial moment where the ball appeared to hit an overhead cable, causing it to drop unexpectedly, but emphasized this was not an excuse for the defeat. Solbakken praised his team's overall tournament performance, noting they exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage for the first time in 28 years. He discussed the difficult timing of England's equalizer just before halftime, a missed two-on-one counterattack chance involving Haaland and Sørloth, and Haaland's substitution due to fatigue and a thigh knock. Solbakken expressed pride in the bond between players and fans, highlighted by the 'Viking rowing' celebration, and hoped the team's journey would be remembered for more than just the cable controversy.
虎扑 - 足球Solbakken Laments Unlucky Decisions After Norway's World Cup Elimination to England
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken addressed the media after his team's 1-2 loss to England in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, which eliminated Norway from the tournament. Solbakken acknowledged that marginal decisions, including a disallowed Norway goal and an incident where the ball hit a flying camera steel cable before England's goal, did not go in his team's favor. He expressed frustration but stressed the need to respect the referee and VAR decisions, noting that knockout stage refereeing tends to be stricter than in the group stage. Solbakken praised his team's spirit and unity during their six-and-a-half-week campaign, and admitted he should have substituted star player Erling Haaland earlier. He expressed pride in the squad's belief that they can compete with any team in the world, and highlighted the positive foundation for future tournaments like the European Championship.
虎扑 - 足球Haaland Defends Bellingham, Reflects on Norway's World Cup Run and Looks Ahead to Vacation
After Norway's 1-2 World Cup quarterfinal loss to England, star striker Erling Haaland spoke to the media. He expressed immense pride in leading Norway to the quarterfinals, highlighting the team's achievement of putting Norway on the world football map and inspiring young Norwegians. Haaland defended his friend Jude Bellingham against criticism, calling him one of the world's best players. He also expressed support for his Manchester City teammates still in the tournament, particularly England. Haaland reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the past six weeks, including the historic win over Brazil, and stated he is ready to start his vacation, feeling satisfied with his life and the team's progress.
虎扑 - 足球Norway Coach Solbakken: Every Knockout Match Is the Most Important in Norwegian Football History
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken held a press conference ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal against England. He discussed the team's progress, noting that despite past struggles and a 28-year World Cup absence, the squad has grown tactically and mentally. Solbakken dismissed earlier claims that reaching the quarterfinals was a minimum goal, calling it 'nonsense' given the competition. He praised the fans for their support and emphasized the players' balance of relaxation and competitive drive. Reflecting on his own cardiac arrest 25 years ago, he said life has been unaffected. Solbakken highlighted the team's confidence after overcoming three strong opponents, including a tough match against Brazil, and stressed the need for a flawless performance to defeat England.
虎扑 - 足球Norway Coach Solbakken: Ødegaard Has More Freedom but Carries Team Alone Compared to Arsenal
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken gave an interview ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal against England. He discussed the team's confidence after defeating Brazil, noting that no opponent has underestimated them. Solbakken explained that captain Martin Ødegaard is used similarly to Arsenal but with a freer role in the national team, where he bears more responsibility due to less experienced teammates like Rice and Zubimendi at club level. Ødegaard is considered one of Norway's best players alongside Haaland. Solbakken also clarified that a physiotherapist, not himself, is ill, and all players are fit and ready for the match.
虎扑 - 足球Norway's Schjelderup: We Are Incredibly Lucky to Have Haaland After World Cup Win Over Brazil
In a post-match interview following Norway's historic 2-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup round of 16, Norwegian player Andreas Schjelderup expressed overwhelming emotion. Schjelderup, who was substituted on at halftime and provided two assists, described the win as a dream come true, noting that his parents were in the stands just as they were for Norway's 1998 victory over Brazil. He praised teammate Erling Haaland as 'a monster' and 'the best striker in the world,' crediting him with two goals that rewrote Norwegian football history. Schjelderup also highlighted the nationwide celebrations in Oslo, where over 100,000 fans gathered at the Royal Palace Square, and emphasized the team's focus on taking it 'one game at a time' as they advance to the quarterfinals in Miami.
虎扑 - 足球Haaland: Norway's World Cup Win Over Brazil 'Unreal,' Ends 28-Year Major Tournament Drought
Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 16, advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in 28 years. Erling Haaland scored a brace and was named Man of the Match. In a post-match interview, Haaland expressed disbelief and pride, calling the victory 'unreal' and a redefinition of Norwegian football. He praised goalkeeper Nyland's performance, credited the team's possession-based style, and noted that Norway has firmly established itself among the world's elite. Haaland also reflected on the long 28-year wait for major tournament success, his personal journey, and the support of his family. He downplayed interest in La Liga, stating he focuses on the Premier League and Champions League.
虎扑 - 足球Norway Coach Solbakken: Beating Brazil in Knockout is Heavier Than 1998; Nation's World Cup Hopes Welcome
Norway's head coach Ståle Solbakken spoke after his team's historic 2-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16, advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time. Solbakken praised Erling Haaland's world-class performance and the goalkeeper's crucial saves, emphasizing the team executed the tactical plan perfectly. He dismissed comparisons to his 1998 upset win over Brazil as a player, calling the knockout victory 'far heavier.' Solbakken criticized FIFA for rescinding a red card to US player Folarin Balogun, warning it damages the World Cup's credibility. He welcomed Norwegian fans' growing World Cup title hopes, saying the victory will remain in memory regardless of future results. The coach remained cautious about the next opponent (Mexico or England), insisting the team must maintain peak form.
虎扑 - 足球Norway's Solbakken: Team Cohesion and Tactical Adjustments Key to Historic World Cup Win Over Brazil
Following Norway's historic 2-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16, head coach Ståle Solbakken analyzed the match in a press conference. He attributed the win to exceptional team cohesion, which he called the team's core foundation. Solbakken detailed his halftime tactical substitutions, bringing on Bobb and Schjelderup to maintain possession and control tempo while neutralizing Brazil's counterattacks. He explained that Norway's strategy was to hold the ball, stretch Brazil's defense, and create flank attacks via triangular passing. Despite Brazil having a penalty and Nyland making crucial saves, Solbakken praised the entire squad's composure in the most important match in Norwegian football history. He also addressed injury issues with Ryerson and Markus, noting Østigård's impressive performance as an emergency full-back. The Viking celebration was highlighted as a symbol of national unity.
虎扑 - 足球Ancelotti Trusts Defenders' Knowledge of Haaland Ahead of Brazil vs. Norway World Cup Clash
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti held a pre-match press conference ahead of the World Cup Round of 16 match against Norway. Ancelotti expressed confidence in his center-backs, particularly Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos, noting they know Erling Haaland's playing style better than he does from facing him in the Premier League. He acknowledged Haaland as extremely dangerous but emphasized the team's overall preparation. Ancelotti stated Brazil has not reached its peak but is showing an upward trend. He dismissed a previous joke from the Norwegian coach as friendly banter. Ancelotti assessed Norway as a balanced, attack-minded team with top talents like Haaland, Ødegaard, Sørloth, and Nusa, and warned about the unpredictability of modern football, citing Argentina's struggle against Cape Verde as an example.
虎扑 - 足球Norway coach Solbakken previews World Cup clash with Brazil, comments on Argentina and team atmosphere
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken held a pre-match press conference ahead of the World Cup Round of 16 match against Brazil. He expressed mild surprise at Argentina's tough game the previous day but noted both Brazil and Argentina are improving. Solbakken praised the Norwegian team's strong cohesion and energy despite a long training camp, and downplayed concerns over right-back Marcus Petersen's minor illness. He highlighted the 'rowing' fan motion as a successful signature symbol. Regarding Brazil's defense, Solbakken emphasized the match is a team contest, not just individual battles. He confirmed no other players were ill besides Petersen.
虎扑 - 足球Norway Coach Solbakken: Haaland's Mental Impact Depends on On-Field Performance
Ahead of the World Cup Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway, Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken addressed the media. He clarified that defender Julian Ryerson has trained without pain but has not yet undergone high-intensity full-load training, casting doubt on his ability to play a full 120 minutes. Solbakken downplayed concerns about Marcus Pedersen's cough. When asked about Erling Haaland's intangible contributions, Solbakken emphasized that Haaland's symbolic value and ability to boost team confidence are directly tied to his consistent, top-tier on-field performance. He stated that past achievements are irrelevant if the player is in poor form. Regarding defensive concerns against Brazil's Vinícius Júnior, Solbakken stressed a team defensive strategy involving midfielders and wingers providing support to the full-backs, though he acknowledged that individual duels are sometimes unavoidable.
虎扑 - 足球Norway Coach Solbakken Jokes About 7-3-0 Formation Ahead of Brazil World Cup Clash
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match between Norway and Brazil, Norwegian head coach Ståle Solbakken gave a pre-match interview. He dismissed the idea of a lopsided 90-10 contest, emphasizing that Norway has chances despite Brazil being favorites. Solbakken highlighted Norway's unbeaten historical record against Brazil (two wins, two draws), including the famous 1998 World Cup victory. He praised Brazil's performance, especially their second half against Japan, calling it the best of the tournament so far. When asked about tactics, Solbakken humorously suggested using a 7-3-0 formation. He downplayed the threat of Neymar, noting he is on the bench, but expressed serious concern about Vinícius Jr., calling him a major problem. Solbakken concluded that Norway will enter as challengers and fight for a quarterfinal spot.
虎扑 - 足球Norway Coach Solbakken: Haaland Is the Greatest Striker, I Wouldn't Trade Him for Anyone
After Norway's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the World Cup Round of 16, head coach Ståle Solbakken held an emotional press conference. He praised the team's growth and unity, highlighting the 'rowing' celebration that has become popular across Norway and even the United States. Solbakken emphatically stated that Erling Haaland is the greatest striker in world football today, noting his calmness, underrated hold-up play, and incredible national team record (5 goals in 3 World Cup matches). He also discussed the role of midfielder Patrick Berg, who provides defensive discipline and allows Martin Ødegaard attacking freedom. Solbakken reflected on the tense final moments of the match and the national excitement surrounding the team's historic knockout-stage win.
虎扑 - 足球Norway Coach Solbakken: First World Cup Knockout Win is Historic Achievement
Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 16, marking the nation's first-ever knockout stage victory in the tournament. Coach Ståle Solbakken described the win as a historic achievement, noting the match was tightly contested as expected. He praised his team's composure after conceding an equalizer, emphasizing their ability to regain control through disciplined possession play. Solbakken acknowledged the difficulty of coaching compared to his playing days in 1998, stating it is 'not fun.' Regarding the upcoming quarterfinal against tournament favorites Brazil, he deferred detailed discussion, saying the focus remains on the current victory. Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland was commended for his form and crucial late save. Solbakken confirmed Norway will help star player Erling Haaland prepare a game plan for Brazil.
虎扑 - 足球