BOSTON, United States, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Norway head coach Stale Solbakken said striker Erling Haaland is fit and "the world's best goalscorer" ahead of the team's FIFA World Cup opener against Iraq on Tuesday.
"Hopefully he will have a very big impact. He is our goalscorer. I think he is the world's best goalscorer," Solbakken told a press conference on Monday, after Haaland played a pivotal role in Norway's qualification campaign with 16 goals.
"Physically he is fit. He was given a little break towards the end of the season, one game by Man City and one game by me. I think gradually he has played better and better in training here."
"I think he is very much wanting to be in this opportunity. Hopefully we can continue to give him chances. And if you give him chances, he has a tendency to score," he added.
Solbakken also highlighted the importance of Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard. "When he is on the pitch he is a very, very important player for us, and he's our captain. He dictates, in many areas, the tempo of our play," the coach said.
Norway's last World Cup appearance came in 1998, when Solbakken was part of the squad. Securing qualification for the 2026 finals carries special meaning for the former midfielder.
"I think that's for every citizen - to lead this country in a game like that. And especially after 28 years, then obviously that is perhaps the top thing on the list. Hopefully it will be a nice experience. We will firstly get a good performance and then a nice result," he said.
Asked what his last message to the players would be before the match, Solbakken said motivation would not be an issue, but handling the occasion correctly would be key.
"The match can have better and less good periods, and we have to find back the good feeling if we lose that feeling in the course of the match," he said.
Solbakken underlined the importance of starting well in the group stage.
"We are in a very competitive group, maybe one of the hardest of all. If you can start with three points, then you are on your way. You can't hide that it's a very, very important game," he said.
The coach also paid tribute to Iraq, which is returning to the World Cup after a 40-year absence.
"Iraq is a very, very organized team. Their two strikers are very physical. They are good at crosses. And obviously they have great mentality, they work hard," he said. ■
