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With goal-scoring phenomenon Erling Haaland, 25, spearheading the attack, the striker has been compelled to operate out wide for Norway and was withdrawn at half-time during their memorable 2-1 victory over Brazil. The Manchester City star netted a match-winning brace as the record holders were eliminated, setting up a tantalizing fixture with 1966 World Cup champions, England.
Prior to the match, it has surfaced that Sorloth, who featured 20 times for Palace netting just once, was left frustrated by Solbakken’s choice to substitute him at half-time for Fulham playmaker Oscar Bobb during the round of 16 encounter.
Goran told Dagbladet: “He gets irritated about being taken off, he should be every day all year round. Regardless of whether it’s the World Cup, the European Championship or a regular international match.”
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Despite his frustration with Solbakken’s call, the forward’s father emphasized there was no lingering animosity over the incident. He said: “I don’t think there was a heated discussion with Ståle Solbakken. They know each other so well that there was talk of exchanging things and things. They are still the best friends in the world. Together they believe that they can go far.”
The 30-year-old has yet to add to his 26 international goals at the World Cup as Norway pursue a historic campaign that has them within touching distance of a semi-final berth at the major tournament. England stand in their path after defeating Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium on Monday, with Thomas Tuchel’s squad needing to neutralize Haaland if they hope to advance their World Cup ambitions, as per The Mirror.
The City striker has enjoyed a remarkable tournament thus far, emerging as the catalyst in their journey as World Cup dark horses. The 25-year-old is vying for the golden boot and trails current leader Lionel Messi by just one goal, after the Argentine maestro inspired defending champions Argentina to a stunning comeback victory over Egypt with a goal and an assist in their 3-2 triumph.
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Miami, Florida hosts the quarter-final, but Norway’s landing in the Magic City has been characterized as a ‘boys’ trip’ by Sorloth. However, a sickness bug threatens to undermine their prospects of forging new history on their landmark World Cup journey.
Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland revealed Norway’s team doctor has been “very busy” in the days leading up to the clash between the two European nations. Nyland told James Corden: “I can confirm that it’s true, we’ve had our issues, we’re doing the best we can and the team doctor is very busy at the moment.
“I have no idea what the source was, we did have some time off so maybe someone contracted something. Hopefully everything goes well and we face England with a fully rested squad on Saturday.”
Norwegian outlet Dagbladet has reported that fatigue has been a contributing factor, with illness also sweeping through the camp during the tournament. Yet the mind games ahead of the quarter-final remain firmly in play, as the Norwegian team doctor moved to downplay any medical issues disrupting their preparations.
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He said: “Very little fuss considering that we have been close together for almost six weeks. So great that they believe this. We are in control.”
