Norway may have been touted by many as this World Cup’s dark horse but their impressive progress still feels like they have exceeded expectations.
World Cup 2026
After finishing second above Senegal in Group B they knocked out Ivory Coast and Brazil, scoring 12 goals across five games, and now face England who are tasked with nullifying them and star striker Erling Haaland.
So, what do Norway do best and what might England boss Thomas Tuchel look to tweak in order to see his side through to the final four of the World Cup?
The HaalandâNyland dilemma
Match Details
Norway boast attacking variety with Stale Solbakken’s men fluctuating between wanting to hold onto the ball and being able to attack quickly.
This is all downstream from their build-up play.
From goal-kicks, Orjan Nyland’s distribution has been excellent. Norway’s first instinct is to play short, often setting up with a wide back four and the keeper forming a fifth option, with two holding midfielders showing for the ball centrally.
Tournament Impact
With so many players deep, Norway often have an overload at the back making progressing up the pitch easier.
When short options are not viable, Nyland’s get-out-of-jail-free card is 6ft 5in Alexander Sorloth who Norway play on the right wing as a wide targetman for long diagonal balls.
This is something England left-back Nico O’Reilly will have to be alert to but given his 6ft 4in height and frame â this is a far more even match-up than Norway have experienced so far.
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