Haaland and Odegaard Return for Norway vs Ivory Coast in World Cup Last 32

Norway will have Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard back in their starting lineup when they face Ivory Coast in the World Cup last 32 today. The Manchester City striker and Arsenal captain were both rested for Norway’s final group phase game, a 4-1 loss to France which saw them finish as runners-up in Group I.

Rest Decision Defended

With qualification for the last 32 already secured before facing France, manager Stale Solbakken insisted it was a no-brainer to rest Haaland and Odegaard, standing by his decision despite some criticism. “It was a no-brainer both on my part, the physio coach, the health and medical, and for some players themselves,” Solbakken explained. “They all said it would be difficult for many of them (to play so soon after facing Senegal), and if some of the players who had played Senegal wouldn’t have been able to play and practice going forward, then the only consideration is taking fans in Norway and here into consideration. They would have wanted to see Erling and Martin but we are here to proceed as long as we can. This decision was not one that took a lot of time for us to think over. The tests, the samples taken, it was the medicals. They decided to take them and they fed back to me.”

Predicted Lineup and Team News

Fully rested, Haaland and Odegaard are set to return to a Norway team that mirrors the selection for the two Group I wins over Iraq and Senegal. Wholesale changes are likely once again. Egil Selvik had a decent game against France despite conceding four goals, but is set to be replaced in goal by Orjan Nyland. Torbjorn Heggem is fit but Julian Ryerson misses out, with Marcus Pedersen set to replace the latter at right-back having played the second half against France. Fredrik Aursnes was the sole survivor from the France game but should return to his familiar midfield role, joined by Odegaard and Fulham’s Sander Berge. Thelo Aasgaard, Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup all impressed last time out, though will likely have to settle for a place on the bench as Haaland, Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa are restored in attack.

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