Solbakken backs ‘powerhouse’ Haaland to carry Norway’s World Cup dream vs Ivory Coast

Norway had returned to football's biggest tournament for the first time since 1998 and had reached the knockout stage with confidence, helped by Haaland's outstanding form. The Manchester City striker scored four goals during the group stage and remained the key figure in Norway's attack.

"So far, so good," Solbakken said. "We are very satisfied with what we have done so far. We are in the last 32. That was the aim for the tournament, and now we want to progress from there."

The Norway boss described Haaland as a "powerhouse" and highlighted the striker's ability to inspire his teammates through his performances.

"He's a great leader for us, he leads by example on the pitch," Solbakken said. "He has something that maybe you can't train so much to reach - the sniff for goals, the feeling that the ball will land at your feet or in that movement."

Solbakken added that Haaland's combination of strength, speed and football intelligence made him one of the world's best players.

"His explosions, his physicality, combined with the understanding that he is a good teammate on and off the pitch, makes him one of the best players in the world," he said.

The Norway coach also pointed to the evolution of Norwegian football, explaining that the team now played with greater technical ability compared with the side that competed at the 1998 World Cup.

"Compared to the 90s where we were last in the World Cup, it was maybe a stronger physical side and we relied much more on set pieces," Solbakken explained. "Now there are players who want to use the ball and are used to using the ball."

He credited the influence of modern possession-based football, including the style associated with Pep Guardiola, for helping develop a more technical generation of Norwegian players.

However, Solbakken warned that Norway would need to match Ivory Coast's physical strength in Arlington, Texas.

"They are a very, very physical team, very strong, and that's the first thing we have to match," he said. "If we match that, then we can keep our identity defensively and offensively, and we have a chance."

The Norway manager expected a tight contest, with small details likely to decide which team advanced.

"I think it will be a very even, tight game where it can go either way," Solbakken added. "It will come down to who is the match winner and who has a little bit of luck on their side."

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