World Cup: duo that changed the game against Brazil could become Norway's starters
Norway secured a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup driven by collective spirit, but coach Stale Solbakken may have to risk changing a team that has been working well by defining the wingers for Saturday's clash (11) against England.
The 58-year-old coach has named Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth as starters on either side of the field in four of Norway's five World Cup matches so far.
However, the performances of reserves Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb in the 2-1 victory over Brazil, in the round of 16, led to growing calls for both to start the match against the English.
Nusa and Sorloth found it difficult to face the Brazilian defense in the first half and were replaced at half-time by Bobb and Schjelderup. The latter provided the assist for Erling Haaland to score the first goal of the match, his third goal of the tournament.
"I didn't really expect to go into the break. You are a little surprised, but I was prepared the whole time if necessary," Schjelderup told newspaper VG.
With Sorloth playing on the right and Nusa on the left, Solbakken prefers wingers capable of both cutting inside and finishing or getting to the byline to cross towards Erling Haaland, who has already scored seven goals in four matches.
The wingers also play a fundamental role in Norway's defensive organization, accompanying Haaland in high pressure and dropping back to help the full-backs when facing strong opponents on the sides of the field.
"Neither of them played a bad game against Brazil, quite the opposite. They worked very well defensively and also participated in the attack, but the game showed that we needed a different player profile", said Solbakken.
Accustomed to acting more centrally in Atlético de Madrid's attack, Sorloth did not hide his dissatisfaction when being substituted against Brazil.
"At that moment I was angry, but then I talked to Stale. Now we're fine, but at the time, I really didn't understand the decision," he said.
Nusa, who scored the first goal in the victory over Côte d'Ivoire in the second phase, received the substitution more calmly and praised the performance of his friend Schjelderup and the rest of the team.
"We must congratulate the boys. I'm very proud to see them shining. That's what matters in a team," he said.
"The fact that I didn't have my best game just means that others were able to have their day. And that's fine with me. As long as we win and advance, I'm very happy with that."
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Source: CNN