Norway’s national football team hasn’t played in a World Cup final for nearly three decades, but hopes for re-entry are soaring after the latest round of qualifiers for next year’s huge tournament. Two victories in a row have landed Norway at the top of its group, at least so far.
First the Norwegians wiped out Moldova, beating them on Moldova’s own home turf by a score of 5-0 last weekend. Then they beat Israel on neutral ground in Hungary Tuesday night by a score of 4-2. In both cases, the matches played out in the shadow of war, not far from Moldova’s border to Ukraine on Saturday and then in the midst of bitter politics, given all the international condemnation of Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza after Hamas’ surprise attack in Israel.
Norwegian fans and players alike ended up concentrating on the important victories that ended a long drought for the national football team. It features some of the best players in the world, including Erling Braut Haaland of Manchester City and led by team captain Martin Ødegaard of Arsenal, but has often disappointed.
Ødegaard was especially hailed over not only his attempts to focus on football over politics but also his assists in crucial scorings. Head coach Ståle Solbakken was also lauded for what commentators called one of his best attempts at coordinating it all.
With six points in its qualifying group, the Norwegians can enjoy what some called “a dream start” in the qualifying round. Next up, though, is a battle against traditional powerhouse Italy on June 6, but it will play out with Norwegian fans expected to be cheering wildly at an already sold-out Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.
NewsinEnglish.no staff