Norway have been forced to change hotels ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against England in Miami on Saturday night, after disruptions including noise from a construction site and basic logistical problems at The Dalmar in Fort Lauderdale. The five-star hotel is adjacent to a large building project and backs onto a busy road, affecting the squad's downtime.
Quick Relocation Completed in Two-and-a-Half Hours
Captain Martin Odegaard said after volunteers helped complete the move in two-and-a-half hours: "There were some things that could have been better and we fixed them, just to optimise and prepare ourselves as best as possible for an important match." Truls Daehli, the team's logistics manager, added: "It is brutal having to move but we are satisfied with the new place and everyone is happy now. Some people might fear that this will affect the players, but it was the players who wanted this more than anyone else."
FIFA Approved the Hotel Change
Daehli confirmed that FIFA accepted the decision to move. "We have strong people in our support team and managed to move in two-and-a-half hours. The process of changing hotel is not ideal but we wanted to take action as soon as possible. Having a good atmosphere is most important. We are going to stay for a week in Miami and we have now been for six weeks in the United States and we are going to play in the biggest match in Norwegian history. We have avoided cabin fever so far and don't want any risk of it now. FIFA have accepted that we must move to another hotel."
Manager Solbakken Downplays Illness Reports
Manager Stale Solbakken played down reports of sickness bugs in the camp, stating that only team manual therapist Thomas Odegaard was suffering. He said: "That [story] is greatly exaggerated. We have enough physiotherapists to handle it. I haven't read much about it. Marcus [Holmgren Pedersen] was a little shaky before the last game, but is ready to train today." Solbakken defended the hotel move, adding: "There were a few things that weren't right there. FIFA agreed with that and was very willing to help us. You would like to have a gathering and meeting room. In total, there were too many little things. It's not that you can't live there, but we should be a team, be together and a unit."
Team Doctor Confirms All Players Healthy
Norway's doctor Ola Sand insisted the team were healthy, telling Nettavisen: "All players are healthy now. Very little fuss considering that we have been close together for almost six weeks. So great that [English media] believe this. We are in control."
Haaland's Brace Sets Up England Clash
Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 to book their place in the last eight, with Erling Haaland scoring a brace. Haaland said after the game: "That's just how it usually goes. If I get a chance or two, it usually ends up as a goal. I don't know how I do it, but that's how I do it, so it's all about staying focused. I tell myself the chance will come, and then I usually know right away if I don't score. We just kept pushing forward, but I hope that all the young people watching this interview – I hope that when you get a little older, you'll see playing for Norway as the proudest thing you'll ever do in your entire life. It's absolutely insane."
