Norway’s lineup for the highly anticipated group finale on Friday evening raised eyebrows and confusion among many: The Scandinavians fielded a B-team against France’s star-studded ensemble.
Coach Solbakken made ten changes compared to the previous victory over Senegal for the duel with World Cup favorites France. Unsurprisingly, the match was lost. Norway lost 1-4 in Foxborough, retaining second place in Group I. After two opening wins, Haaland and company had already secured their advancement.
It was clear that Solbakken would face questions afterward. The 58-year-old, who was with 1. FC Köln in the 2011/12 season, not only didn’t truly play for group victory but also deprived many football fans — and not just Norwegian ones — of the chance to see Haaland and France’s superstar Kylian Mbappe face off.
«We are not naive and are not here just for fun,» Solbakken stated soberly. «We want to stay as long as possible, so this was a no-brainer.»
Analysis after the Senegal match: Several players ‘severely depleted’
It’s «quite simple,» Solbakken explained. An analysis after the Senegal match on Monday (3-2) revealed that several players were «severely depleted after 80 minutes.»
He could have fielded a stronger team, but «the question is whether we can win — considering the situation and our condition with regard to the next game.»
Together with the doctors, physiotherapists, and some players, he made the decision to rest his key players.
Solbakken understands the fans and their predictable reactions — «We want Haaland!» was chanted in the stadium — but does not doubt his approach.
Solbakken: «Erling and Martin know what’s best for the team»
Of course, he knows that the team’s supporters would have liked to see Haaland from Manchester City and midfield general Odegaard from English champions Arsenal, «but the decision was very easy for us.»
Solbakken continued: «Erling and Martin are team players; they know what’s best for the team. The fans want to see them, but hopefully, we can give them some nice summer evenings in the coming weeks.»
In the round of 32, Norway will now face the Ivory Coast team, which took second place in Group E behind Germany. In a potential round of 16, Haaland, Odegaard, and company would face the winner of the match between Brazil and Japan. France, as the winner of Norway’s group, will play Sweden and then possibly the German national team.