Norway move to more expensive training base ahead of World Cup quarter-final against England (Image: Eurasia Sports Images, Getty Images)
Since Norway have settled into their new home, preparations for their World Cup quarter-final match against England have progressed significantly. The Scandinavian side recently faced a problematic situation with many players expressing dissatisfaction in the run-up to their most important football match.
Prior to Saturday’s match at Miami Gardens, Norway departed from their home base at the five-star Dalmar hotel in Fort Lauderdale due to repeated disturbances ahead of their World Cup clash with England. Various players experienced illness, noise disruption, and logistical problems.
A large construction site adjacent to the site overlooks a main road, which is believed to have affected the team’s downtime. Captain Martin Odegaard admitted there were “some things we could have done better”, but manager Stahle Solbakken said there was not a suitable space for a team briefing.
World Cup captain Truls Dahl previously described the situation as “cruel” after Norway were forced to change hotels. However, Norwegian officials clarified details of FIFA’s regulations and expressed satisfaction with the enhanced conditions at the new venue.
“There were some things about the first place I stayed that I wished were different,” Dali told TV2. “We’re in week six now and we’re going to be here for a full week, so we finally decided to take action. “And the games we’re going to play are the biggest games we’ve ever played.
“Now we could avoid pressure sores and we didn’t want to risk getting one during this period. That’s why we made the changes. We got a good understanding from FIFA, who moved the package to a new hotel. They (FIFA) are paying for 50 rooms, and they’re also paying for our security and transportation. This hotel is more expensive, so we have to adjust a little bit. But we’re very happy with the way we’ve handled things here.”
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Norway captain Martin Odegaard complained about the situation before the team left their final home (Image: Patricia de Melo Moreira, AFP, via Getty Images)
Norway had a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign, winning all eight matches. Playing in their first World Cup since 1998, they maintain their momentum in North America after coming through a difficult group that included France and Senegal.
In the final tournament, Solbakken’s team defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 and Brazil by the same scoreline. Meanwhile, England eliminated co-hosts Mexico with an entertaining 3-2 win at the Estadio Azteca.
Erling Haaland was in great form for the Vikings, scoring seven goals in four games, including two against Brazil. The Norwegian striker is in contention for the coveted Golden Boot with England’s Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and current top scorer Lionel Messi.
Asked if all the pressure was on England, Manchester City frontman Haaland said: “Yes, definitely. I think there are some clear favorites and England are one of them.”
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