Solbakken's locker room speech: 'I am so proud'

Despite the sting of a quarter-final defeat, national team coach Ståle Solbakken offered his players a heartfelt and emotional message of pride in the locker room.

Solbakken, visibly moved, addressed the team, urging them to remember their accomplishments. "You should be so proud, you should be so proud," he stated, acknowledging the immediate disappointment. He added, "I understand the disappointment is there now, but when you get this a little distance, rub on the first sunscreen, lie on the beach and think back, then there are not many bad memories."

The touching moment was captured in a video shared on the team's official Instagram account, showcasing the coach's deep admiration for his squad. Solbakken admitted that the emotion was so overwhelming he struggled to complete post-match interviews with the press, with tears welling up.

The speech underscored the strong bond and mutual respect between the coach and his players, emphasizing the positive journey and effort despite the ultimate outcome of the match. It served as a poignant reminder of their shared experience and the value of their performance beyond just the result.