Norway’s preparations for their World Cup quarter-final against England have been hit by fresh concerns after reports of illness and fatigue inside the squad following their historic victory over Brazil.
The Scandinavian side booked their place in the last eight with a stunning 2-1 win over Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil in New Jersey, a result that sparked wild celebrations on the pitch and in the dressing room. For Norway, it was more than just a knockout victory. It was one of the biggest nights in their football history and a moment that instantly lifted belief around Stale Solbakken’s team.
Norway booked their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Sunday and celebrated wildly in the dressing room afterwards
Martin Odegaard posed for a wholesome picture in the stands with his wife
And Erling Haaland appeared ecstatic in the changing room after the squad were told they could head out for the night
After the final whistle, the players performed their now-famous ‘Viking Row’ celebration with supporters inside the MetLife Stadium. The scenes continued behind closed doors, where Solbakken delivered an emotional speech to his squad and praised them for following the game plan perfectly. Erling Haaland, clearly thrilled by the result, was seen celebrating with his teammates as the manager reportedly gave the players permission to enjoy the night.
But the mood around the Norwegian camp has since been complicated by concerns over sickness. According to reports in Norway, the heavy travel demands of the tournament, changing conditions, repeated flights and air conditioning have taken their toll on parts of the squad. The team have already travelled across several cities in North America, including Boston, New Jersey and Dallas, before returning again to New Jersey for the Brazil clash.
Forward Jorgen Strand Larsen had already missed Norway’s opening match because of illness, while Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was absent from the win over Brazil after being affected by a bug. Solbakken himself was also seen coughing during a press conference earlier in the tournament, adding to speculation that Norway have been dealing with lingering health issues inside the camp.
The Norway manager has played down fears of a major outbreak, suggesting it is natural for minor illness to spread through a large travelling group over several weeks. He pointed to the combination of flights, changing rooms, air conditioning and the demands of tournament life as factors that can make players and staff vulnerable.
The Norwegians will travel down to Miami today ahead of their clash with England
Solbakken has already acknowledged the size of the challenge ahead. England, ranked higher and packed with elite players, arrive with momentum after their dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. That match had almost everything: a delayed kick-off, two goals from Jude Bellingham, a Harry Kane penalty, a red card for Jarell Quansah and a tense final spell as Thomas Tuchel’s side held on with 10 men.
England’s win was described by Tuchel as heroic, but it also came at a cost. Quansah will be suspended for the quarter-final, while Jordan Henderson is set to miss out after suffering a freak injury when he fell over an advertising board. Reece James is also a fitness doubt, leaving England with selection issues of their own before the Miami showdown.
Haaland will once again be the obvious threat for Norway, but Solbakken’s side have shown they are far from a one-man team. Their victory over Brazil was built on discipline, belief and a clear tactical plan. England cannot afford to assume illness concerns will make Norway easier to beat, especially with the confidence currently running through the Norwegian squad.
For the Three Lions, this is a golden opportunity to move one step closer to the World Cup final. For Norway, it is a chance to extend a fairytale run that has already stunned the football world. With both teams carrying momentum, pressure and injury or illness concerns, Saturday’s quarter-final is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating battles of the tournament.
