Erling Haaland has led Norway to their first ever World Cup quarter final, sparking scenes of celebration back home, but former international Morten Gamst Pedersen believes the run has been built on far more than the goals of their talismanic striker.
Norway face England in Miami on 11 July with a place in the semi finals at stake, a run that already surpasses their showing at the 1998 World Cup, when they reached the round of 16 following a famous win over Brazil before losing to Italy.
Much of the attention throughout the tournament has centred on Haaland, whose seven goals have made him one of the standout performers of the summer. Pedersen, however, rejected the idea that Stale Solbakken’s side are overly reliant on their star forward. “You’ve got superstars like Erling, and you’ve got Martin Odegaard, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Alexander Sorloth, Sander Berge, Oscar Bobb, internationals playing in the Premier League and the biggest leagues in Europe,” Pedersen told Reuters. “Everybody knows Erling is the biggest one, but they’re really a good group together. It’s almost like a boys’ holiday. They’re going around and having fun and really enjoying it.”
The 44 year old, who made 348 appearances for Blackburn Rovers across his career, said Norway’s real strength lay in a settled squad with quality spread throughout the team, including players capable of changing matches from the bench.
England, though, represent by far Norway’s toughest assignment of the tournament. While acknowledging the threat posed by Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and England’s attacking depth, Pedersen suggested the pressure of expectation rests more heavily on Thomas Tuchel’s side than on his own country. “In Norway, everybody’s like euphoria. We’re walking on water almost,” he said. “For England, they’ve got massive pressure from the media and the people around them.”
Pedersen, who won 83 caps for Norway, said defensive discipline would prove just as important as Haaland’s finishing if the run is to continue, pointing to the collective effort that has underpinned the campaign so far, including goalkeeper Orjan Nyland’s outstanding performance in the 2-1 last 16 win over Brazil. “You have to be brave. You have to play the game, not the occasion,” he said.
England remain favourites as they continue their pursuit of a first World Cup title since 1966, but Pedersen warned against underestimating a Norway side playing with genuine confidence and momentum. “England will naturally be the favourite because of the standing they have and the history of football,” he said. “But on the other side, we can beat everyone.”
