When it became clear that France would face Norway in the World Cup group stage, the national coach of Les Bleus, Didier Deschamps, was asked a simple question: About the giant duel between Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. Deschamps reminded French journalists that Norway is more than Haaland. In the World Cup, the whole of France has seen a Norwegian national team that won 4-1 over Iraq, and then played their way to the round of 16 with a 3-2 victory over Senegal. France will now face both a Norwegian team that is strong in all positions – and a Haaland in great form.
The group final will be played on Friday, although the French stars must take the status of favorite, Didier Deschamps is full of admiration for Ståle Solbakken’s team.
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“The Norwegian team is really good. They showed it in qualifying, and they continue to prove it with an ability to score goals and to be effective with players who play at some of the best clubs,” the France national team coach begins in his press conference after the 3-0 win over Iraq.
“It’s one of Europe’s best national teams, and we know what awaits us,” says the French national team coach. Who hopes he doesn’t have to see Martin Ødegaard lead the way in ro-ro-ro in the stands after the game on Friday.
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