Norway's national soccer team is reportedly experiencing sickness among its players as they prepare for their World Cup quarter-final match against England on Saturday. The team secured their spot in the last eight with a 2-1 victory over Brazil in New Jersey on Sunday.
Following the win, the Norwegian squad reportedly celebrated, with manager Stale Solbakken noting that players were "allowed to go out and enjoy themselves." He described the post-match activities as a reward after a significant victory, though he acknowledged receiving little sleep himself.
The team's journey through the tournament has involved extensive travel across North America, beginning in Boston, moving to New Jersey, returning to Boston, then traveling to Dallas, and finally playing their Round of 16 match back in New Jersey. Norwegian outlet Dagbladet has suggested that this travel may be contributing to fatigue and fitness concerns within the squad.
Concerns over player health were evident prior to the Brazil match, with forward Jorgen Strand Larsen missing the opening game due to illness, and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen absent from the Round of 16 clash with a bug. Manager Solbakken himself was observed coughing at a press conference following Norway's earlier 4-1 defeat to France.
Solbakken acknowledged the potential impact of the team's travel schedule and the general environment of a major tournament. "We've really only had Jorgen who has had a fever," he stated. "But then there's been a bit of coughing and rasping evenly, scattered throughout. But there's air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that. We're over 50 people so it would be strange if one or the other didn't come."
Norway is set to travel from their base in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Miami, giving them more than four days to prepare for their match against England. This upcoming game marks a significant milestone for Norway, as they have never previously advanced past the group stages of a major tournament. They will face an English side ranked approximately 15 places higher.
"We have to study England but obviously we have seen them in their previous games in the tournament and they will be a very strong opponent but hopefully it will be a very even and tight game," Solbakken said of the upcoming contest.
England enters the quarter-final following a 3-2 victory against Mexico. The English team will be without defender Jarell Quansah due to a red card and midfielder Jordan Henderson due to injury. The availability of Reece James, who is recovering from a knock, remains uncertain.