Norway captain Martin Odegaard has dismissed any concerns about his fitness ahead of his side's FIFA World Cup opener against Iraq, as the team prepares for their first appearance in the tournament since 1998, reported Reuters.
Odegaard's fitness update
Speaking to reporters, Odegaard said, "I feel good. I do not know what you are so worried about - yes, I have had some trouble, as you know, but I feel good now." The Arsenal star had some injury concerns heading into the tournament but played a crucial role in Arsenal's Premier League title win and their runners-up finish in the UEFA Champions League.
Norway's World Cup return
Norway, powered by Odegaard and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, will face Iraq in their Group I opener. They qualified with a perfect record of eight wins in eight games, scoring 37 goals and conceding just five, ahead of Italy and Israel.
Odegaard said the team is "changing expectations" after qualifying. "That is where we have set the standard, after what we have done in qualifying. We are changing expectations, that is good, and I'm not going to say that's wrong. Now it is Iraq that matters," he added.
Haaland in top form
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken confirmed both Odegaard and Haaland are fit. He praised Haaland's sharpness, saying, "He had his best training session yesterday (on Friday), 11 against 11, and he had the goal of the year. It would have been the goal of the year in the World Cup if it had been broadcast, a volley from 20 meters - if it had hit (goalkeeper Egil) Selvik, he would have been killed, but luckily it went into the corner."
Group I and Norway's World Cup history
Norway is in Group I alongside France, Iraq, and Senegal. This is only their fourth World Cup appearance, with their best finish being a round of 16 exit in 1998.
Norway squad
- Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander Tangvik
- Defenders: Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer, Fredrik Bjorkan, Henrik Falchener, Sondre Langas, Torbjorn Heggem, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Julian Ryerson, David Moller Wolfe, Leo Ostigard
- Midfielders: Thelonious Aasgaard, Fredrik Aursnes, Patrick Berg, Sander Berge, Oscar Bobb, Jens Petter Hauge, Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup, Morten Thorsby, Kristian Thorstvedt, Martin Odegaard
- Forwards: Erling Haaland, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Alexander Sorloth
