Norway endure nightmare World Cup stay and unanimously ask to move hotel

Norway have changed their team hotel just days before their clash with England after their players unanimously voted to switch base.

The Vikings landed in Miami on Monday ahead of their upcoming World Cup quarter-final meeting with the Three Lions on Saturday.

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This will mark Norway‘s debut in the last eight of the competition, who advanced as Erling Haaland‘s superb double sealed victory over Brazil.

Now, Haaland and co are gearing up for the biggest match in the country’s history, but their preparations have been dealt an early blow.

The head of the Norwegian World Cup delegation, Truls Daehli, has revealed that the team has taken the bold decision to leave their Miami hotel after just one night.

Stale Solbakken’s side had checked into The Dalmar in Fort Lauderdale ahead of their game at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

However, they immediately called it quits on the venue after being left unsatisfied with the standard of their accommodation.

According to Norwegian outlet TV 2, the hotel was located next to a busy road, which would have affected the squad’s sleep and recovery.

Adding to the disruption, a large construction site is also reportedly directly outside The Dalmar.

A lengthy walk to the beach, estimated to be nearly four kilometres, was another factor in Norway’s decision to change hotels.

‘So many issues’

Norway team official Daehli admitted the move was ‘brutal’ and ‘not ideal’ but insisted the squad were happier now.

He told Norwegian outlet VG that it had been an unanimous decision from the squad to switch venues.

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Daehli said: “There were things about where we were staying that we would have liked to see different. We felt it was necessary to take action.

“We’re heading into week six, and we’ll be staying here for a full week. The match is on Saturday and is the biggest game we’ve played. 

“We’ve managed to avoid getting sick from the dorm-style accommodations, but I really didn’t like that risk in the final week before the match. We all agreed on that.”

While Daehly revealed the accommodation had fallen short of players’ expectations, he refused to share any specific issues.

He said: “There were several things, but I don’t want to go into detail about them.

“There were so many issues that we decided to take this action.”

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Daehly also added the entire operation of changing hotels took two-and-a-half hours.

Host of concerns

Norway’s decision to change hotel is the latest obstacle they have had to overcome in the build-up to their clash with England.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that there were concerns within the Vikings’ camp that they could be hit by a sickness bug just days before the last eight encounter.

Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet reported that fears of fatigue, illness and the effects of the jet-setting had caused distress in their ranks.

Norway have already seen players miss out due to illness this summer – Jorgen Strand Larsen missed their opening game through sickness, while full-back Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was absent against Brazil with a bug.

Manager Solbakken was also previously seen coughing violently during his post-match press conference after their group stage clash with France.

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Adding to their concerns, their quarter-final showdown with England could also be affected by soaring temperatures in Miami.

There are already fears over looming thunderstorms that have been predicted in the area for in and around kick-off.

FIFA rules state that lightning within eight miles of the stadium will lead to suspensions in order to protect players and fans, as was the case in England’s delayed last-16 win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.

And FIFA’s rules could be tested by the heat too, with strict protocols in place if the temperatures exceeds 32 degrees Celsius.

If the temperature rises above this at kick-off, they use the already enforced mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through both halves.

Postponement or cancellation of matches also becomes an option at this temperature but is not mandatory.