Norway have the 'world's best goalscorer' but Solbakken remains cautious

Stale Solbakken insists Norway can take nothing for granted against Iraq this evening — even with goal machine Erling Haaland leading the line.

Having reached the World Cup for the first time since 1998, expectations are high for a squad that also features Arsenal ace Martin Odegaard.

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But Solbakken, part of the Norwegian team that lost 1-0 to Italy in the last 16 at France 98, knows his side must get off to a good start in Group I if they are to enjoy a deep run in North America.

He said: “For any coach to lead his country at the World Cup, it is perhaps the top thing. Hopefully we can live up to it, because if it’s a bad experience you don’t feel like that.

“We can’t hide it’s a very important game. We are in a very competitive group, maybe the hardest one.

“If we can start with three points, then you’re on your way.”

With 38 goals in all competitions for Manchester City last season, it’s no surprise that Haaland is among the favourites to win the Golden Boot.

He has already netted 55 times in 50 appearances for his country — and Solbakken is confident his star striker is primed to add to that impressive tally.

The former Copenhagen boss, 58, added: “Hopefully Erling will have a very big impact. I think he’s the world’s best goalscorer.

“He is physically fit, he was given a little break at the end of the season — [missing] one game for Manchester City and one for us.

“Hopefully we can give him good service. If we give him chances, he has a tendency to score.”

Along with Haaland and Premier League winner Odegaard, the spotlight will also be on Patrick Berg.

As well as helping his country qualify for the World Cup, the midfielder enjoyed a superb run to the last 16 of the Champions League with Bodo/Glimt.

And he believes the players at Solbakken’s disposal will ensure Norway shine in a group that also features Senegal and France.

Berg, 28, said: “I think we have the biggest stars we have ever had with Haaland and Odegaard and a lot of the others. They have big roles in some of the biggest teams in the world.

“The players we have in this team are truly special. When you have players like Erling and Martin on your team sheet, you will always get a lot of recognition and interest.”

If Norway open their campaign with a win as expected, it could prove difficult to stop the momentum building. Haaland and Co will certainly be relishing the thought of upsetting some of the big boys along the way.

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