Erling Haaland was rested during Norway’s World Cup match against France in Boston, a decision made by manager Stale Solbakken. This move saw Ousmane Dembele score a hat-trick in France’s 4-1 victory. Solbakken indicated that he was not concerned about Haaland’s pursuit of individual awards, stating, “I don’t care at all” when asked about the Golden Boot race.
Solbakken’s decision to rotate his squad, changing 10 of his starting XI for Norway’s third group game, was influenced by France’s previous strategy. Four years ago, Didier Deschamps rested key players like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Dembele in their final group game in Qatar. Solbakken noted, “We can learn a lot from France. They have been able to go into game three in the group stages and rest some players … they have been smart.”
Despite Solbakken’s approach, Deschamps opted for a strong side against Norway, aiming to secure the top spot in Group I. While Solbakken had highlighted the threats posed by Mbappe and Michael Olise, Dembele emerged as France’s key player, scoring three goals.
Managerial Approaches to Squad Rotation
The strategy of resting players at this stage of a tournament is a subject of debate. While Norway’s momentum from two opening wins was disrupted by the loss, some argue that the first XI might not have fared significantly better against France. The concept of momentum in football is also debated, with some studies suggesting a negligible impact of form on subsequent game outcomes.
France’s experience in 2022, where a rotated squad lost 1-0 to Tunisia before reaching the final, serves as an interesting case study. Similarly, England under Gareth Southgate rested players against Belgium in 2018, losing 1-0 but then reaching the semi-finals. Southgate’s reasoning included fitness concerns and boosting team morale by sharing playing time. Ironically, England later lost 2-0 to Belgium in the third-place play-off with a stronger lineup.
Different managers hold varying views on squad rotation. Thomas Tuchel, when asked before this World Cup about rotating his England team, stated he would consider it but was cautious about making too many changes that could disrupt player connections.
This particular World Cup, with 48 nations and 104 games, many played in high temperatures, presents a strong case for resting players. Haaland, having played extensively for Manchester City in a demanding league, and Martin Odegaard, who also had a significant workload including the Champions League final, were both rested against France.
Implications for Norway’s Tournament Path
By not topping their group, Norway’s path in the tournament has shifted. France is now likely to face Sweden in the round of 32, though Belgium is another possibility. That match is scheduled to take place in New Jersey, with a potential last-16 encounter against Germany in Philadelphia.
Norway, meanwhile, is set to play against Ivory Coast in Dallas. Ivory Coast possesses attacking talent, notably wingers Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo. A potential match against Brazil in New Jersey could follow. One report suggested that Sweden, who were defeated by the Netherlands in Houston, might have been an easier opponent than Ivory Coast. However, the fixture against Ivory Coast will be in an air-conditioned stadium in Dallas, which could benefit Norway if they progress to the last 16.
There was no guarantee that Haaland and his teammates would have secured the top spot even with a full effort in Boston, nor was it certain that Sweden would have been their opponents, given the draw was not finalised. The intense rivalry between Norway and Sweden could also have created a derby atmosphere at the MetLife Stadium, making it a challenging fixture.
The decision to rest players reflects Solbakken’s perspective, with one report noting his past experience of a cardiac arrest in 2001, suggesting he has a clear understanding of priorities in life and football beyond individual accolades like the Golden Boot.
France’s Squad Depth and Upcoming Matches
France, with their star player Mbappe, demonstrated their squad depth even with changes. In their 3-0 victory over Iraq, Lucas Digne, Manu Kone, and Bradley Barcola started, replacing Theo Hernandez, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Desire Doue. Barcola scored off the bench against Senegal. Later in the game against Iraq, Dembele and Olise were substituted for Doue and Rayan Cherki, while Malo Gusto, Maghnes Akliouche, and Marcus Thuram also received playing time.
Olise’s impact at his first major tournament has been significant, contributing assists for half of France’s six goals. It is anticipated that he might be rested in Boston, potentially allowing Cherki an opportunity to start. Cherki has been noted for his creative play. Against a Norway team that has conceded three goals against opponents considered less formidable than France, Cherki could find opportunities to create chances for his teammates.
Deschamps, who missed the match to attend his mother’s funeral, had assistant coach Guy Stephan take charge. France’s strategy of rotating players in the final group game has been consistent, having done so in the last two tournaments where they reached the final. Four years ago, a much-changed XI lost 1-0 to Tunisia, and in 2018, they drew goalless with Denmark. This time, a draw would be sufficient for France to finish at the top of Group I.
The World Cup draw in December highlighted this fixture, though the immediate jeopardy was reduced once both teams qualified for the knockout stage by winning their initial two games.
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Source: independent.co.uk
As NewsGB.org's Sports News Writer, Theo Marsden reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He began on a regional sports desk in Yorkshire. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Hull and completed an NCTJ diploma. Theo lives in Hull, where he follows the European Tour and amateur rugby. “Sport moves fast; readers deserve it right the first time.”