Norway coach Solbakken has mixed feelings ahead of first World Cup finals match in 28 years

Norway's national football team is on the cusp of a significant moment, preparing to play in a World Cup finals match for the first time in 28 years. Coach Ståle Solbakken acknowledged the weight of expectation as the team prepares to face Iraq.

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Everyone in the country wants to lead their country in such a context and after '28 years of pain.' It will be at the top of the list, and I hope we can live up to expectations.

"Everyone in the country wants to lead their country in such a context and after '28 years of pain.' It will be at the top of the list, and I hope we can live up to expectations," Solbakken said at a press conference. He described his feelings as "very mixed," encompassing joy and pride for the players and fans, but also the responsibility that comes with being the ultimate decision-maker.

Norway secured their World Cup berth in dominant fashion, achieving maximum points from eight qualifying matches with an impressive goal difference of 35-7. Their strong performance, including victories over Italy, has fueled high expectations for the team. Solbakken remains optimistic, citing good training, team harmony, and a high performance level.

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My feelings are very mixed on the same time. I feel a joy and a pride on behalf of both the players and perhaps you, the spectators and everyone. But when you are the one who in the end is responsible, there are probably others who have more fun.

Key players Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard are expected to carry significant responsibility. While Ødegaard has dealt with injuries, Solbakken highlighted the growth of other players in his absence. "He is a very, very important player for us. He is the captain and dictates the tempo," Solbakken said of Ødegaard. "The others have grown and gained more confidence through the matches we have had to play without him, and now I think he doesn't need to take so much responsibility in all areas of the pitch, but can save himself for the areas where we really need him."

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He is a very, very important player for us. He is the captain and dictates the tempo. He has also an assist record in the years under me.

Solbakken also anticipates a major impact from Haaland, whom he considers the world's best goalscorer. "I hope he will have a very big influence on the outcome of the matches. He is our goalscorer, and I think he is the best goalscorer in the world. He is physically fit after having had a small break at the end of the season. He has gradually been better and better in training."

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The others have grown and gained more confidence through the matches we have had to play without him, and now I think he doesn't need to take so much responsibility in all areas of the pitch, but can save himself for the areas where we really need him.