Norway's coach Stale Solbakken revealed on July 7 that several players in the squad have been feeling under the weather ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against England. The month-long grind of travel, training, and high-pressure matches is taking a toll on the team.
Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has experienced a fever, accompanied by scattered coughing and rasping among the squad, Solbakken told reporters. He noted that with 50 people in Norway's traveling party, it would be unusual if no health issues arose, especially considering factors like air conditioning, flights, and changing rooms.
Marcus Holmgren Pedersen missed Norway's 2-1 victory over Brazil in the round of 16 due to illness. Solbakken suggested that the pressure of the World Cup experience may have contributed to the 25-year-old's condition. "He's got a lot of stimulation, his head is full, his body is full of impressions, and then the system collapses a bit," the coach explained.
Norway prepares to face England in the quarter-finals amid these health concerns.
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