North Carolina [US], July 9 (ANI): Ahead of his side’s FIFA World Cup clash against England in the quarterfinals, Norway skipper Martin Odegaard expressed happiness at getting to play against his Premier League teammates from Arsenal and highlighted that despite their team’s underdog status, it is important for them to have self-belief in a sport where “anything can happen”.
Norway versus England clash at Miami is shaping up to be one of the most exciting clashes, with Manchester City and Norway goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland set to battle some Premier League rivals in order to get a shot at recreating the ‘Viking Row’ celebration after sealing a quarterfinal. But for Odegaard, it is a battle, a reunion with his Arsenal teammates Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, with whom he won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years last season.
Speaking ahead of the match, Odegaard said that he had spoken to some of his teammates throughout the tournament and praised the Harry Kane-led side’s world-class line-up.
“Not too much (banter between him and Arsenal teammates from England). I have spoken to a few of them a little bit during the tournament,” said Odegaard as quoted by Reuters.
“Obviously, we know the quality they have. I know them really well. Outstanding players, world-class players, playing for probably one of the best national teams in the world at the moment, so it’s going to be a big test for us,” he added.
The Arsenal star highly praised his Arsenal mate Rice, a crucial cog of the England midfield, calling him someone “who gives absolute everything and fights for every single ball” with his energy.
“He is someone who always gives absolutely everything for the team, always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy to the pitch, to the team, driving the team forward,” said Odegaard on Rice.
“He can do so many things on the pitch. He can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be good on the ball. He is a very complete player, so it is going to be a good test for all of us,” added the Arsenal star, praising his teammate’s versatility.
Odegaard said that the whole England team has “unbelievable players”, posing a “massive test” to which his side is looking forward to.
“Hopefully we can make even more history,” he added.
Norway is coming after beating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16, keeping their clean record against the Carlo Ancelotti-managed side intact, with three wins and two draws. The Norway skipper said that during the match against Brazil, they felt like “underdogs” and feel the same again ahead of the England clash.
“I think Brazil (in the last 16) was the same, we were the underdogs and, as you saw, anything can happen in football. We are going to give it a good try, see what we can do and are looking forward to it. We have to have the belief in ourselves. We have shown the whole world that we are a good team. In football, anything is possible. Even though we are the underdogs again, let us see what happens and let us prepare well,” he signed off. (ANI)
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