Norwegian media have issued a collective warning to England ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final, expressing strong belief that their national team can continue its historic run. Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions face a groundbreaking Norway side at Miami Stadium, with the Scandinavian nation playing in their first-ever World Cup quarter-final.
England enter the match as heavy favourites, boasting a star-studded lineup led by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The 1966 winners had to dig deep against co-hosts Mexico on Sunday night, battling high altitude and a sending off to win 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium, banishing past demons. Norway, meanwhile, caused a massive upset earlier that day by defeating five-time champions Brazil, courtesy of two stunning goals by Erling Haaland—now joint-top scorer at the tournament with seven goals.
Norwegian Outlets Confident of Victory
Norwegian newspaper Borsen ran the headline 'Poor England' ahead of the clash, demonstrating huge belief in Haaland and his teammates. They warned Tuchel by saying the German will be "dreading the exam at Ståle Solbakken's management school." The outlet also referenced Norway's 2-1 victory over England back in 1981.
Another publication, NRK, was similarly confident, writing: "Now England awaits in the World Cup quarter-finals. We can beat anyone." VG (Verdens Gang) quoted former Norwegian footballer Carl-Erik Torp, who said Norway could go all the way and win the World Cup. Addressing the prospect of facing England and potentially Argentina in the semi-finals, Torp stated: "It was a pretty lame Argentine team against Cape Verde. I was at England against Congo in Atlanta. That defence looks shaky. I don't fear any of them. Remember that these teams are going to want to beat Norway. It is just as difficult for them as it is for us. This Norway team is an incredibly good team."
England's Defensive Concerns Highlighted
TV 2 pundit Yaw Amankwah was delighted with the win over Brazil and noted how England could be disadvantaged by their gruelling 101-minute fixture with 10 men against Mexico. "It's as good as it gets to stay," he said. "I'm glad they got over 100 minutes of thin air up high towards Mexico. I hope they're tired and tender."
So far at the World Cup, England progressed as group winners following a 4-2 win over Croatia, a 0-0 draw against Ghana, and a 2-0 victory over Panama. They came back from a goal down to defeat DR Congo in the round of 32 before dispatching hosts Mexico 3-2, with their defence repeatedly called into question. Norway, meanwhile, finished second to France in their group after losing 4-1 to the 2018 champions with a much-rotated team. They previously beat Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2, then dispatched Ivory Coast 2-1 in the last 32 before overcoming Brazil.
Historic Clash Awaits
Despite being underdogs, Norway are not letting their status stop them from truly believing they can knock out one of the tournament favourites. The quarter-final promises to be a historic encounter as both teams seek to advance to the semi-finals.
