Norway will look to continue its historic FIFA World Cup run when it faces tournament favourite England in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Miami.
The match will feature two of the world’s most prolific strikers, with Norway’s Erling Haaland taking on England captain Harry Kane for a place in the final four.
Norway has emerged as one of the surprise stories of the tournament after reaching its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. Playing in its first World Cup since 1998, the Scandinavian nation finished second in Group I before eliminating Ivory Coast and five-time champions Brazil in the knockout stage.
Haaland has been central to Norway’s remarkable campaign, scoring seven goals to move into third place in the Golden Boot race. The Manchester City striker has also become one of the tournament’s biggest attractions both on and off the field as Norway chases more World Cup history.
England, meanwhile, arrives with greater tournament experience and enters the match as the favourite. The Three Lions topped Group L before defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo and co-host Mexico to reach a third consecutive World Cup quarterfinal.
England’s attack has been led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have combined for 10 of the team’s 11 goals. However, England’s defence has shown signs of vulnerability, keeping just two clean sheets in five matches, setting up a difficult challenge against the in-form Haaland.
According to Opta’s supercomputer, England has a 50.4 per cent chance of winning in regulation time, while Norway’s chances stand at 25.1 per cent. The model gives a 24.6 per cent probability that the match will require extra time.
The winner will advance to the FIFA World Cup semifinals, while the loser will see its tournament come to an end.
