On paper, Norway's men's soccer team shouldn't fear this iteration of Brazil. It's been a long time, almost a quarter-century to be exact, since the winningest team in men's World Cup history was on top of the international soccer world. It doesn't nearly have the same specter of automatic intimidation that it used to. But that fact, especially as Brazil appears to be regaining some of its historical form, shouldn't be something anyone ****** ociated with Norway voices in public.
Uh, about that. Someone might want to relay such news to Norway's manager, Ståle Solbakken.
In a pre-match press conference, Solbakken noted that Brazil should be favored against his Norwegian side in a Round of 16 matchup on Sunday. This is, after all, Norway's first World Cup appearance in almost three decades, whereas Brazil remains one of the globe's most consistent fixtures in this tournament. However, Solbakken expanded upon those thoughts, maintaining that, in his opinion, this version of Brazil and this version of Norway are a lot closer on paper than anyone realizes.
Hmm, I don't know that I agree with that ****** sment, and I certainly wouldn't have said it in front of a microphone for Brazil to hear, either:
At face value, I understand why Solbakken would say this. As Norway's manager, he is the team's chief motivator. It is his inherent job to instill belief in his players, who already understand they are considered huge underdogs to most in a match against a country with immense soccer success like Brazil. To be sure, Solbakken was also part of the 1998 Norway team that defeated the then-reigning World Cup champion Brazil in the group stage. So, he knows something about pulling off unlikely upsets and how you have to think about them.
Uh, about that. Someone might want to relay such news to Norway's manager, Ståle Solbakken.
In a pre-match press conference, Solbakken noted that Brazil should be favored against his Norwegian side in a Round of 16 matchup on Sunday. This is, after all, Norway's first World Cup appearance in almost three decades, whereas Brazil remains one of the globe's most consistent fixtures in this tournament. However, Solbakken expanded upon those thoughts, maintaining that, in his opinion, this version of Brazil and this version of Norway are a lot closer on paper than anyone realizes.
Hmm, I don't know that I agree with that ****** sment, and I certainly wouldn't have said it in front of a microphone for Brazil to hear, either:
At face value, I understand why Solbakken would say this. As Norway's manager, he is the team's chief motivator. It is his inherent job to instill belief in his players, who already understand they are considered huge underdogs to most in a match against a country with immense soccer success like Brazil. To be sure, Solbakken was also part of the 1998 Norway team that defeated the then-reigning World Cup champion Brazil in the group stage. So, he knows something about pulling off unlikely upsets and how you have to think about them.
1 month ago
