On Friday, the United States was already hosting one of the most anticipated events in the football world in weeks. In many, the first 48-team World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. A global event which will inevitably be closely scrutinized by football lovers but also by those who call soccer on the other side of the Atlantic. The latter were also able to show themselves yesterday during the event where Hollywood stars and Donald Trump hosted a highly anticipated draw. Big favorite and present in pot 1, France was waiting to know who their opponents would be.
And ultimately, this draw placed Norway in the same group as France and Senegal in what already looks like a death pool. Accompanied by the winner of one of the intercontinental play-offs between Iraq, Suriname and Bolivia, these three nations should fight for the first three places even if France retains its favorite label. Among other things, a highly anticipated duel between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé will take place and will pit two of the best players in the world for years against each other. And inevitably, this print is being talked about in France, in Senegal, but also in the Scandinavian country where confidence seems to reign.
Haaland and Solbakken are not going to give up against France!
First in a tough qualifying group where Italy was notably present, Norway is advancing with a lot of quality. However, everyone is focusing on the Mbappé-Haaland duel in this group and which will inevitably be ticked off by all football lovers. For Norwegian coach Ståle Solbakken, and like many observers, this face-to-face match is one of the main attractions of this group. Confident about the quality of the Manchester City striker, the coach was teasing after the meeting and affirmed that he wanted to see his striker take over the Bondynois when the time came: “ I hope Erling stays in this form. But Mbappé is at his best, so we hope he will slow down a little.»
More seriously, subsequently, the Scandinavian coach did not hide his respect for his two opponents but did not show a particular sign of fear about these posters: “ France is the strongest team in Europe with Spain”, and that Didier Deschamps is an “experienced coach who knows big tournaments and knows how to prepare players. We are not going there defeated. » Upbeat about this draw, the coach can count on the confidence of Erling Haaland who also reacted on social networks and in Norwegian media:“my first impression is that it looks rather difficult. If you were hoping to find the easiest group, you might be disappointed. But it could have been worse” You will have understood, Norway firmly believes in its chances against France and Senegal.
