"We're going to give the ball to Haaland", says Norway coach before the debut

Norway is placing much of its hope in Erling Haaland for his debut at the 2026 World Cup. On the eve of the duel against Iraq, this Tuesday (16), coach Ståle Solbakken stated that the team's strategy involves feeding the striker with scoring opportunities.

"We hope he has a very big impact. We hope to continue creating chances for him and, if you give Erling opportunities, he has a tendency to score," said the coach at a press conference.

Haaland arrives at the World Cup after an impressive campaign in the European Qualifiers. The striker scored 16 goals in eight matches, twice as many as the continent's second highest scorer in the period. According to Solbakken, the player also benefited from the rest period received at the end of the season by Manchester City and the Norwegian team before the World Cup.

The coach also highlighted the importance of captain Martin Ødegaard, leader in assists in the European Qualifiers. For Solbakken, the period in which the midfielder was sidelined due to injury helped other athletes to take on a leading role.

"The players around him grew because of it. They gained more confidence," he said.

Norway plays its first World Cup in 28 years and debuts against Iraq at the New England Patriots stadium, on the outskirts of Boston. Regarding the opponent, Solbakken highlighted the defensive organization, the compact game and the danger of balls raised in the area.

The only Norwegian concern is the situation of striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, who has a fever and could be absent from the team on his debut. The team debuts tomorrow, at 7pm (Brasília).

Source: CNN