Norway coach Ståle Solbakken has said that striker Erling Haaland is highly motivated for Tuesday's match against Iraq, his country's first World Cup appearance in 28 years, adding that his teammates will look to give him as many chances as possible to continue his goal-scoring exploits.
Solbakken said Haaland, who scored 16 goals in 8 qualifying matches — double the tally of any other player in Europe — appears to have returned to his best form after Manchester City gave him a rest at the end of the Premier League season, and Norway also gave him a break ahead of the World Cup.
"We have great hope in his impact. I hope we can keep giving him chances — if you give Erling chances, he is closer to scoring," he told reporters.
Solbakken, a former midfielder who made 58 appearances for Norway, praised captain Martin Ødegaard, who provided the most assists in European qualifying despite a lengthy absence through injury.
The coach said that absence helped Norway develop: "The players around him have matured because of it, so they have become more confident in themselves."
Norway open their World Cup campaign against Iraq at Gillette Stadium in the suburbs of Boston. Iraq qualified for the tournament after a marathon of 21 matches, as well as the additional pressure and strain caused by travel difficulties arising from the conflict in the Middle East.
Solbakken highlighted Iraq's tactical discipline and reliance on defensive compactness, as well as their danger from crosses.
"It is clear that the coach has a great deal of experience in matches like these, given his successes with the Australia national team," he said, referring to Graham Arnold, who led Australia to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup before they were eliminated by Argentina, who went on to win the title.