Solbakken defends reserve choices, says Norway aims 'to go far'

Norway's national football coach, Ståle Solbakken, has defended his decision to bench star players like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard during their final World Cup group stage match against France. The team, already assured of advancing after victories against Iraq and Senegal, lost the game 1-4. Solbakken emphasized that resting key players was a calculated move to ensure the team's long-term success in the tournament.

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We are at the World Cup to go far, and it was a no-brainer for me, the physical trainer, the medical staff, and several of the players.

"We are at the World Cup to go far, and it was a no-brainer for me, the physical trainer, the medical staff, and several of the players," Solbakken told the Norwegian news agency NTB. He acknowledged that fans might have wanted to see the star players in action but stressed that securing early wins allowed for this strategic rotation. "I understand that fans would have liked to see Erling, Martin, and the others, and I feel a bit guilty that they didn't get the chance. But we have given them a couple of wins that mean they will see more games with us."

Solbakken highlighted the demanding schedule at the World Cup, noting Norway had the shortest turnaround time between matches against Senegal and France. With the knockout stage beginning just four days later, player welfare was paramount. Norway is set to play Ivory Coast in the round of 16.

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I understand that fans would have liked to see Erling, Martin, and the others, and I feel a bit guilty that they didn't get the chance.

Assessing the upcoming match, Solbakken described Ivory Coast as a strong and physically imposing team. "We meet a good Ivorian team, which is one of the physically best at the World Cup. Like against Senegal, I assess it as a 50-50 match, so we need to be at our best," he stated. While acknowledging Ivory Coast has an extra day of rest, Solbakken believes his team's rotation strategy has helped mitigate this disadvantage, ensuring Norway is prepared for the crucial encounter.

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We meet a good Ivorian team, which is one of the physically best at the World Cup. Like against Senegal, I assess it as a 50-50 match, so we need to be at our best.