Norway will face England in a World Cup quarter-final in Miami after eliminating Brazil, a match in which Erling Haaland scored twice. The striker remains the clear centre of Norway’s attack, but the win also highlighted the tactical influence of coach Ståle Solbakken.
Against Brazil, Solbakken changed both wide players at half-time, introducing Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup for Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa. The adjustment was intended to sharpen Norway’s work in tighter spaces, and Schjelderup later helped create a headed goal for Haaland after combining with movement from David Møller Wolfe.
The numbers cited in the source suggest Norway are not dominating every phase of games. They rank mid-table or lower in possession, opposition-box touches and interceptions, yet sit near the top for big chances created and expected goals, reinforcing the sense of a side built to generate high-value moments for Haaland.
There is still a warning sign for Norway: they are also listed third among 48 teams for big chances missed. That makes the England match a compelling tactical question — can England restrict the service into Haaland, or will Norway’s direct, chance-focused approach keep producing decisive openings?
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