The saddest outcome of this was that Norway disappointed a larger fanbase than they’d ever signed up for.
England faced Norway in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. England had last won the World Cup in 1966, defeating West Germany, and modern English teams have struggled to find their footing in international tournaments. Norway on the other hand, came in, with their best World Cup so far, in history. The Norwegians had earlier set sky-high expectations, after sending Brazil home in the round of 16. England may have won after fighting tooth and nail for 120 minutes, but Norway takes home a larger fanbase than they ever could have imagined. Here are the observations from the game.
Do not let the result fool you. This was easily England’s toughest game in this World Cup so far.
If one had to state Haaland’s importance for Norway, it would be through this game.
He was not just performing the role of a goalscorer or a creative attacker. English defenders Marc Guéhi and John Stones were practically being dragged around by him throughout the 100 minutes he played. He occupied defenders, thus creating avenues for his teammates to run in for attacks. The midfield was constantly spotting weaknesses in England’s setup and especially the half-spaces were often identified by Norwegian wingers and capitalized upon. The Three Lions were constantly forced to keep thinking of their next best step while Norway through sheer grit, held England stretched to their limits.
England faced Norway in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. England had last won the World Cup in 1966, defeating West Germany, and modern English teams have struggled to find their footing in international tournaments. Norway on the other hand, came in, with their best World Cup so far, in history. The Norwegians had earlier set sky-high expectations, after sending Brazil home in the round of 16. England may have won after fighting tooth and nail for 120 minutes, but Norway takes home a larger fanbase than they ever could have imagined. Here are the observations from the game.
Do not let the result fool you. This was easily England’s toughest game in this World Cup so far.
If one had to state Haaland’s importance for Norway, it would be through this game.
He was not just performing the role of a goalscorer or a creative attacker. English defenders Marc Guéhi and John Stones were practically being dragged around by him throughout the 100 minutes he played. He occupied defenders, thus creating avenues for his teammates to run in for attacks. The midfield was constantly spotting weaknesses in England’s setup and especially the half-spaces were often identified by Norwegian wingers and capitalized upon. The Three Lions were constantly forced to keep thinking of their next best step while Norway through sheer grit, held England stretched to their limits.
2 months ago
