Norway's World Cup Height Advantage Seen as Key Asset

Norway's national football team boasts a significant height advantage in the World Cup, standing as the second tallest team overall and the clear leader in physical stature within their group. This imposing presence is seen by players as a considerable asset, particularly in a sport where margins can be razor-thin.

Striker Alexander Sørloth, one of the team's tallest players at 195 centimeters, highlighted the benefit of their physical advantage. "I choose to see it as a big advantage. When you hear they are 3-4 centimeters [shorter], then we are looking for margins. It is an advantage to be physically large," Sørloth stated during a press conference. The team's average height is 186.7 centimeters, with ten players exceeding 190 centimeters, including Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer, who at 196 centimeters is Norway's tallest player.

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It is an advantage to be physically large.

This height advantage is particularly relevant for set pieces, a critical aspect of football. Stian Vik Nedrebø, who oversees set pieces for Eliteserien team Viking, acknowledged that while height is a factor, it's not the sole determinant of success. "It's a bit difficult to answer if height purely makes you a better set-piece team. If we look at Norway, they have a lot of height, and they also have many players who are good at heading the ball. That is a prerequisite," Nedrebø told VG.

Nedrebø further explained that other elements are equally vital for dominating set pieces. These include good timing in duels, physical toughness, and the right mentality. While Norway's height provides a strong foundation, these other attributes will be key to fully capitalizing on their physical advantage throughout the tournament. Pål Fjelde, Norway's set-piece coach for the World Cup and former coach at Viking, noted that Norway was the second-best team in Europe during World Cup qualifiers for set pieces, scoring five goals and conceding none in eight matches.

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It's a bit difficult to answer if height purely makes you a better set-piece team. If we look at Norway, they have a lot of height, and they also have many players who are good at heading the ball. That is a prerequisite.