World Cup like a pressure cooker but we will be smart, says Norway coach

Norway's coach Stale Solbakken intends to rest key players during their final World Cup Group I match against France on Friday. He cited the immense physical and mental pressure of the tournament, especially with the knockout stage approaching, as the reason for his strategy.

“

It is an important game (against France) but the most important is the round of 32.

Both Norway and France have already secured their places in the round of 32. France, needing only a draw to top the group due to a superior goal difference, are also looking to manage their squad. Their coach, Didier Deschamps, is absent from the bench as he is attending his mother's funeral.

“

It is 100 percent certain that we will need to be rested for the round of 32 mentally and physically. It could be that we have to play 30 minutes of extra time or penalties.

Solbakken stressed the importance of player recovery, stating, "It is 100 percent certain that we will need to be rested for the round of 32 mentally and physically. It could be that we have to play 30 minutes of extra time or penalties." He described the tournament atmosphere as a "pressure cooker," noting that several players experienced cramps in their previous match against Senegal, which he attributed to high humidity and insufficient hydration.

“

There is an argument that these players are used to playing every three days but here (there) is so much pressure. It is like a pressure cooker.

Looking ahead, Solbakken advised his team to be smart rather than greedy, learning from France's experience in managing tournament progression. He also commented on star striker Erling Haaland, emphasizing that Haaland is a team player focused on collective success rather than individual accolades like the top scorer's crown. "He has the killer instinct and wants to score but his greater strength is that he puts the team first," Solbakken said.

“

We have to be more smart than greedy.