Norway to rest Haaland and Odegaard for France World Cup clash, reports say

Norway's national football team coach, Stale Solbakken, is reportedly set to rest his biggest stars, including Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, for their World Cup match against France. This decision, according to Norwegian media, stems from a strategic prioritization of the knockout stage over the final group game.

Solbakken emphasized the importance of readiness for the subsequent rounds, noting the need for 110% mental and tactical preparedness, especially with the possibility of playing 120 minutes. "Without regard to how the match against France ends, we must be 110 percent mentally and tactically ready for the knockout phase," he stated after a previous match.

While Norway's focus shifts to the crucial knockout matches, France's coach Didier Deschamps is also considering lineup changes. However, French stars Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele are anticipated to feature in the starting lineup for the match, which is considered one of the most anticipated games of the group stage due to both teams having secured victories in their first two matches.

“

Without regard to how the match against France ends, we must be 110 percent mentally and tactically ready for the knockout phase. Against Senegal we endured 85 minutes, and in the round of 16 we might have to endure 120 minutes. We must take that into account.