Haaland defended Solbakken after Norway’s heavy defeat against France.

The controversial decision by the Norwegian coach to rest nearly the entire first team against the powerful France has already ignited international debate, but Erling Haaland did not hesitate to come to the defense of the manager, even after a heavy 4-1 defeat. The Manchester City forward, who was absent from the starting eleven, assured that the result would have been inevitable, regardless of the choices made by Stale Solbakken, sending a surprising and assertive message that stirred fans and analysts alike.

In the World Cup match played on French soil, Norway appeared almost unrecognizable, making ten changes from the previous match and retaining only Frederik Aursnes in the starting lineup. Big names like Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, and Antonio Nusa were left on the bench, while France, without mercy, took full advantage to dominate the game from start to finish, demonstrating why they are considered one of the tournament’s favorites. The final score of 4-1 ultimately reflected the absolute dominance of the French team and the fragility of the Nordic side, which sacrificed its key assets at a crucial moment in the competition.

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This decision has generated a wave of criticism and perplexity among fans, commentators, and former players, who questioned Solbakken’s radical approach. In a group where every point can be decisive, Norway now risks an early elimination, becoming dependent on others and improbable results to keep the hope of advancing in the competition alive. The very context of the game, facing a star-studded France featuring players like Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Dembélé, reinforced the feeling that Norway could have been more ambitious in their approach to the challenge, rather than practically conceding from the start.

In the aftermath of the match, Erling Haaland did not shy away from the probing questions of journalists and was unequivocal in his defense of the coach. “I said before that I didn’t care and I still think the same,” Haaland stated, explaining his position to Norwegian media. “France was, in any case, the best team. Even with our strongest eleven, I don’t think we could have beaten them.” The forward further added: “France has world-class players everywhere – Mbappé, Michael Olise, Dembélé… they just keep coming. They will cause problems for any team and, honestly, I think they can go very far. What they showed against us was frightening.” With these words, Haaland appeared realistic and pragmatic, highlighting the French power and downplaying Solbakken’s tactical choices.

Haaland’s statements, just minutes after the defeat, reveal a dressing room united around their coach, despite public dissent. Captain Martin Ødegaard also expressed solidarity with the tactical decision, reinforcing the idea that Norway faced an opponent from a different competitive level. However, the pressure on Solbakken is mounting, as fans demand explanations for the adopted strategy and fear that this choice could jeopardize the immediate future of the national team.

The next challenge for Norway will be crucial: the team needs a convincing victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, but mental and physical fatigue could be a significant obstacle. It remains to be seen whether Solbakken’s decision to rotate the squad, resting key players for the final matches, will prove to be a stroke of genius or an irreversible mistake that will be etched in the history of Norwegian football. The controversy is set, and all eyes will be on Norway’s response on the pitch, while France, bolstered by yet another display of strength, consolidates its status as a contender for the World Cup title.

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