Srećko Šijaković Norway Are a Very Strong Team. Today, they are a genuine football superpower, and their performance against Iraq proved exactly that. This Norwegian side is an extraordinary generation of players and a major force in world football.
The great one. The giant. Erling Haaland
The match report.
Norway Iraq 4:1.
At the beginning of the game, however, it seemed as though the Norwegian players lacked confidence. There was a sense that they were not fully aware of their own quality and were uncertain about how the match against Iraq would unfold.
This team lacks experience on football’s biggest stage, and that clearly affected them early on. They did not play with enough confidence in the opening stages. As the match progressed, however, Norwegian players became increasingly comfortable and secure, and the difference in quality between the two sides became more and more apparent.
The game formula. Tactical side of this match.
It looked as though the Norwegian players were unsure of how good they really were when the match began. They did not seem fully aware of the quality they possessed compared to their opponents.
As the game progressed, however, they grew increasingly confident and comfortable. With every passing minute, Norway looked stronger, more assured, and more in control, eventually displaying the full extent of their quality.
Two goals from Erling Haaland broke Iraq’s resistance, and from that moment Norway truly came alive. The ball moved forward with greater speed and purpose, while Haaland and Alexander Sørloth once again showed why they are such a devastating attacking partnership.
Leo Østigård added a third goal, while Norway’s fourth came via an own goal from Hussein. By then, the contest was effectively over.
As I have said before, and as I continue to believe, Norway are an exceptionally strong team. It is not too early to say that world football may have gained a new major power.
Norway possess elite talent, a clear identity, and the potential to establish itself among the very best national teams in the world.
Italy is no longer a power, but Norway is. Italy are no longer a football superpower. Norway are.
Italy was a superpower, and they are not now.
That is a fact for now!
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