Anticipated World Cup Group I fixture
The upcoming World Cup Group I fixture between Norway and France at Boston Stadium is set to be a highly anticipated match. This game features two of football’s most prominent forwards, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, both of whom are leading contenders for the World Cup Golden Boot. Each player has scored twice in their first two games of the tournament.
The combined estimated market value of the two squads, according to Transfermarkt, is higher than any other match in the group stage. While both teams boast considerable talent, much of the attention will be on Haaland and Mbappé.
Contrasting styles, similar output
Despite their different playing styles, Haaland and Mbappé have shown remarkably similar output in Europe’s top five leagues since Haaland’s debut for Borussia Dortmund in January 2020. Mbappé has played only 11 more minutes across one additional league appearance during this period.
Haaland has a slight edge in goal tally, leading by two goals, while Mbappé has five more assists. When combining goals and assists, only Harry Kane surpasses both players, though Kane has played over 1,700 more minutes. In the Champions League, their playing time differs more, with Mbappé representing teams that have consistently competed for the continental title from a younger age. Haaland, however, is the only one of the two with a Champions League winner’s medal. Data suggests that while they have similar rates of combined goals and assists per 90 minutes in the Champions League since Haaland’s debut, Mbappé has been less effective in the knockout stages of the competition.
Their international records will be particularly relevant for Friday’s match. Their goal tallies for their respective countries are very close, with only one goal separating them. A notable difference is that Mbappé has played almost twice as many international matches as Haaland, having opened his goal account for France more than three years earlier.
France and Norway’s group stage positions
France only requires a draw against Norway to secure the top spot in Group I. However, finishing first could potentially lead to a more challenging knockout path, which might include teams like Germany and Spain, despite offering reduced travel and logistical benefits. France has already secured qualification for the round of 32 following victories over Senegal and Iraq. Their superior goal difference means a draw is sufficient to finish first.
With qualification assured, France is expected to rotate their squad. Assistant coach Guy Stephan will lead the team from the touchline in Boston, as Didier Deschamps is absent. Deschamps had previously used all five substitutions in their 3-0 win over Iraq, indicating a focus on squad management.
Meanwhile, Norway has been a standout team in the tournament, earning admiration for their performances, including a synchronised rowing celebration. Their victories over Iraq and Senegal have also secured their place in the knockout rounds. Coach Stale Solbakken’s side enters the match with confidence after a 3-2 victory over Senegal. However, the physical demands of that game could lead to significant rotation against France.
Solbakken has indicated that Norway aims to support Erling Haaland in his pursuit of the Golden Boot, with Haaland currently having four goals. Despite this, Solbakken may be hesitant to risk his key players given that qualification is already guaranteed. Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard, who are considered Norway’s most influential players, could be benched, with Alexander Sorloth potentially leading the attack. Patrick Berg, who assisted Haaland’s second goal against Senegal, might play in midfield. Additionally, central defender Leo Ostigard has strengthened his case for a starting position and could replace the injured Julian Ryerson.
Regardless of Norway’s rotation decisions, France will face a team in strong form, having scored seven goals in two matches and demonstrated resilience by coming from behind to beat Senegal. Kylian Mbappé’s double against Iraq brought his World Cup goal tally to 16, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose and placing him two goals behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record.
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Source: theguardian.com
