Much of the focus will be on England and Norway’s top forwards Erling Haaland and Harry Kane as Norway aim to take on England in a World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
The performances of these two players have the potential to make a big difference to which team will make it to the semi-finals, according to Norway coach Stale Solbakken.
Haaland has also been an outstanding figure in this tournament, netting seven goals in four games to help Norway move into the last eight for the first time since their return to the World Cup after 28 years.
Read more: Haaland fires Norway into World Cup knockout stage
Kane has also been in good form, netting six goals in the tournament, and is still a menace to other teams.
Before the match, Solbakken said the game isn’t Norway v England, it’s the leading goal scorer v the leading goal scorer.
“Kane is England’s match-winner, Haaland is Norway’s most important player,” said the coach.
When Thomas Tuchel was appointed as England’s new coach, England was already coming in with big expectations.
But Norway have already surpassed expectations by making it to the quarter-final, and have won an impressive match against Brazil in the previous stage.
Solbakken said his team is quiet, confident and having a good time.
He thinks England are under more pressure because of the expectations that are being placed on them, but the pressure for Norway is being placed on them is just to give their best.
The match will also take place in the most tropical of conditions in Miami, where it will be sweltering and humid.
The belief is that the players need to be as fresh as possible for the tournament, so Norway has taken its training sessions over the last few days down by one or two notches.
“Both teams must face similar weather so fitness and energy are going to be key factors in the matchup,” Solbakken said.
FAQs
1. Why are Erling Haaland and Harry Kane so important in this match?
They are the main goal scorers for their teams and are expected to play a key role in deciding the result.
2. Why is the weather being discussed before the game?
The match will be played in very hot and humid conditions, which can make players tire more quickly and affect their performance.
Also read: Norway shock Brazil as Haaland shines and Neymar bids farewell
