Norway have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history, but a disease bug could hamper their chances of beating England this Saturday
Coach Orjan Nyland admitted the Norwegian team had been hit by the disease bug (Image: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Orjan Nyland claimed that Norway’s team doctor had been “very busy” during the preparations for the World Cup quarter-final against England because he was unwell, but the doctor himself was simply downplaying the situation.
Nyland & Co. have booked a showdown with England this Saturday after surprising Brazil on Sunday with two late goals from the imposing Erling Haaland. It is the first time in the club’s history that they have reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup and have emerged as one of the dark horses of the competition.
With Haaland in charge, Norway will be aiming for another upset against England.
But it emerged earlier this week that a disease bug was rocking the camp during preparations for the match, sparking fears elsewhere that Norway would be below strength at the weekend.
And their goaltender Nyland admitted that the illness bug has affected the team over the past few days.
He told James Corden: “I can confirm that it’s true. We have an issue and we’re doing our best, but the team doctors are very busy right now. I don’t know what the source is, but there was some time off so someone might have gotten something.”
“Hopefully everything goes well and we can play against England on Saturday with a well-rested squad.”
Norway and Erling Haaland hope to pull off another upset against England (Image: AFP or licensors)
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Norway had to battle illness during the World Cup, with Markus Holmgren Pedersen missing out on their historic victory over Brazil. Crystal Palace striker Jorgen Strand Larsen also missed the opening World Cup match due to illness.
Norwegian media outlet Dagbladet reported that fatigue was a factor in the team having to travel by plane. They are based in Greensboro, North Carolina, and have also played games in Boston, New Jersey, and Dallas.
Interestingly, however, Norway’s team doctor downplayed the situation, even telling Netavisen that “all the players are healthy now.”
“Considering we’ve been together for almost six weeks, there’s been very little fuss,” he added, before being asked about Britain’s reaction to the report.
“It’s great that they believe this. We’re in control.”
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