The Nineties had been an unbelievable decade for the nation. Not solely did they qualify for 2 World Cups, however Norway additionally hit second within the FIFA world rankings whereas additionally boasting a successful document in opposition to Brazil, together with a shocking victory at France ’98.
Certainly, the Norwegians stay the one worldwide crew to have by no means misplaced to the Seleção.
All through the last decade and stretching into the early noughties, Norway may name upon a era affected by names resembling Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Tore André Flo, Henning Berg, Erik Myland and Stefan Iversen amongst others.
Since France in 1998, nonetheless, a gaggle stage exit at Euro 2000 is the one different main event the nation has skilled, and it was hardly an opportunity missed.
Can the present Golden Technology finish that barren run by securing a spot on the 2026 World Cup over the subsequent few weeks?
Norway closing in on World Cup qualification
Many consider that that is the time for the present group of gamers to come back of age and for Norway to change into regulars at worldwide tournaments, significantly with the growth of the World Cup to 48 groups.
Norway misplaced out to Serbia within the playoffs for a spot at Euro 2020 whereas ending third of their World Cup qualifying group forward of the 2022 version.
Absolutely Euro 2024 could be the time that the celebrities aligned? Nope. Norway gained simply three of their eight matches in qualifying, two defeats to Spain sandwiched by a gut-wrenching loss to Scotland, who scored twice within the ultimate minutes to seal the win.
The previous cliché about what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger has definitely utilized to this group of gamers. After 5 rounds of World Cup qualification, the Norwegians are flying in Group I, successful 5 consecutive matches, scoring 24 objectives whereas conceding solely three within the course of.
Wins over Israel and Moldova to start the marketing campaign had been stable, however anticipated. The victory in opposition to Italy in sport three, nonetheless, was the second which showcased simply how far Ståle Solbakken’s males may go.
Targets from Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland gave Norway a 3-0 benefit on the break and the Italians had no reply.
The consequence wasn’t only a assertion of intent, it was one thing greater. Beating the Italians was arguably the ultimate hurdle that the Norwegians needed to overcome to show that not solely can they qualify for the World Cup, however they may emerge as darkish horses who’ve the power to go deep within the event.
A 1-0 win over Estonia three days later demonstrated that this aspect may also dig deep when required. A couple of months later, Solbakken inspired his aspect to launch the handbrake in opposition to Moldova and was duly rewarded with an 11-1 victory.
Three factors was an important factor, but the 11 objectives scored will probably be extraordinarily useful in the long term, particularly with objective distinction seemingly coming into the equation.
Make no bones about it, Norway nonetheless need to hold their foot on the fuel, however with house matches in opposition to Israel (at this time) and Estonia up subsequent, six factors will imply they simply must keep away from defeat in Italy, of their ultimate sport, to safe automated qualification.
Norway have their finest group of gamers because the Nineties
Norway’s defence has been breached solely 3 times in 2025 to date. Kristoffer Ajer and Torbjørn Heggem have fashioned a stable partnership on the coronary heart of the defence, whereas David Møller Wolfe and Julian Ryerson have been efficient on both flank.
The midfield and attacking choices that Solbakken has at his disposal are the explanation why Norway have been so good throughout this qualification marketing campaign.
Martin Ødegaard could also be lacking for the conflict in opposition to Israel as a consequence of damage, but the Arsenal midfielder grabbed two assists and bought on the scoresheet in opposition to Moldova. He’s the fulcrum of this aspect, making them tick.
Sandar Berge, Felix Horn Myhre, Oscar Bobb and Thelo Asgaard provide loads of help in the course of the pitch. The latter scored 3 times in simply 26 minutes in opposition to the Moldovans, whereas Berge dictated the play, ending the sport with a 93% move success price, with 20 of his passes coming into the ultimate third.
In Haaland, Sørloth and Jørgen Strand Larsen, Norway have a trio that would even surpass the triumvirate of Solskjær, Flo and Iversen from the halcyon days 25 years in the past.
Haaland has already notched 48 objectives for his nation throughout 45 caps. Elsewhere, Sørloth (24) and Strand Larsen (3) additionally provide loads in assault, however every of the three provide differing qualities.
The Manchester Metropolis striker is arguably the best finisher on the planet proper now. Sørloth is quick and highly effective, whereas his towering 6’4” body ensures he is a perfect aerial presence.
Larsen won’t be as environment friendly in entrance of objective, however his technical capacity and intelligence permit him to drop again and hyperlink up the play or function out extensive.
Norway stand on the cusp of a primary main finals look in 25 years. Ought to this group of gamers proceed to flourish over the subsequent few video games, a visit to North America awaits them subsequent yr.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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