Ødegaard dismisses fitness worries ahead of World Cup opener

Martin Ødegaard, Norway's captain, has brushed aside concerns about his fitness ahead of the World Cup, asserting that he feels strong and ready to compete. "I feel good. I don't know what you are so worried about," Ødegaard told reporters on Sunday, addressing questions about his physical condition. He acknowledged experiencing some minor issues but insisted they are behind him.

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I feel good. I don't know what you are so worried about.

Ødegaard also commented on the external commentary surrounding the Norwegian team, particularly the differing opinions between domestic and international experts. "There is a big difference between the Norwegian experts and the foreign experts," he noted, suggesting that Norwegian media expressed more worry than their international counterparts. He also addressed the criticism following a recent 1-1 draw against Morocco, a top-ten nation, stating that while high expectations are understandable, realism is also necessary.

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There is a big difference between the Norwegian experts and the foreign experts.

"We have set the standard based on what we have done in the qualification. We are raising expectations, which is good and I won't say it's wrong," Ødegaard said. "Now, Iraq is what matters, so you can talk as much as you want." Norway, participating in its first World Cup since 1998, will open its campaign against Iraq. The team has been training and acclimatizing in the USA since early June.

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Now, Iraq is what matters, so you can talk as much as you want.