Martin Ødegaard
Arsenal · UEFA Nations League · Midfielder · #8 · Norway · 27 yrs
Martin Ødegaard news
Jude Bellingham pushes back on criticism from England manager Thomas Tuchel after win over Norway: 'Yeah, well, whatever'
'Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, Ødegaard, Nusa, Sørloth,' Bellingham said, in response to Tuchel saying England got a 'lucky' win.
England wobble but Djed Spence and John Stones make case for the defence | Jacob Steinberg
Tuchel’s half-time changes and Pickford’s skittishness lifted Norway, but backline finally rose to occasionEngland were back in Azteca mode in the end. Big Dan Burn was on to thump those headers away. Reece James and the magnificent Djed Spence were covering the flanks, Elliot Anderson was taking care of midfield on his own and the problem for Norway was that the hulking figure leading their attack was no longer on the pitch as they tried to find a way through England’s back five at the end of extra time in Miami.It would be a push to call this a tactical or defensive masterclass from Thomas Tuchel. The German made a rare misstep at half-time, handing the game to Martin Ødegaard when the unwell Declan Rice had to go off, and spent the rest of the second half trying to correct his mistake. First James had to come on for Anthony Gordon, depriving England of one of their main counterattacking outlets as a sense of dread took over, and it was only when the counterpressing of Morgan Rogers was added to the midfield mix that a semblance of order was restored. Continue reading...
England v Norway: Everything you need to know including TV channel and injury news
England will face Norway tonight in a crunch World Cup quarter-final after their tense but thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico. Thomas Tuchel was handed a fitness boost after Guehi, who had been nursing a hamstring strain picked up at the Estadio Azteca, and Rice, who previously had fitness and illness concerns, both returned to training on Friday. The Three Lions will be under threat from Golden Boot-chasing Erling Haaland, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and the electric Antonio Nusa, with several of the Norway squad are shaking off a virus.
Rice and Ødegaard put club union on hold in decisive duel between England and Norway
Two architects of Arsenal’s title triumph are likely to have starring roles for their country in pursuit of a place in the World Cup semi-finals It is one of those times when WhatsApp group chats quieten down. Friendships tend to be suspended when a World Cup quarter-final comes around and club mates, flung against one another for their countries, turn their eyes towards the biggest prize. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard will not be exchanging breezy pleasantries in the hours before England face Norway but the levels of respect are off the scale. The clash between two architects of Arsenal’s modern success should be decisive in determining who goes through. They have walked out together 117 times but the 118th, in the stifling heat of Miami, may leave the most lasting mark.These are two players in their prime who may never receive another opportunity this golden. Rice and Ødegaard were born 28 days apart and, partly because of the latter’s fast-tracking into the Norway senior team, did not play against each other at age-group level. Their face-offs have been limited to Mikel Arteta’s intense training sessions at London Colney, where they are depended upon to set standards. They are leaders of differing style and status who will be expected to galvanise their national teams on Saturday. Continue reading...
How far have Norway advanced in the World Cup? All-time historical records and best finishes
Powered by the lethal duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, the squad is aiming to push past previous boundaries, leaving fans to eagerly compare their current run against Norway's all-time World Cup records and best historical finishes. Storming back onto the global stage, Norway‘s new golden generation is ready to fight for their place in the history books. Powered by the lethal duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, the squad is aiming to push past previous boundaries, leaving fans to eagerly compare their current run against Norway’s all-time World Cup records and best historical finishes. Norway’s history at the World Cup has been short but memorable. The national team has qualified for the tournament only four times: 1938, 1994, 1998, and 2026. The first appearance came in the 1938 World Cup in France. At that time, the tournament used a straight knockout format, and Norway faced eventual champions Italy in the opening round. The match finished 1-1 after normal time, but Italy eventually won 2-1 after extra time, ending Norway’s campaign immediately. The 1994 World Cup in the United States brought one of the most unusual eliminations in tournament history. Norway defeated Mexico 1-0 but failed to reach the knockout stage because all four teams in their group finished level on points. The deciding factor was goals scored, leaving Norway painfully eliminated. Havard Flo of Norway celebrates his goal with team mate Henning Berg during the 1998 World Cup Four years later, Norway produced its most famous World Cup moment. During the 1998 tournament in France, the national team shocked defending champions Brazil with a dramatic 2-1 victory in the group stage. That result helped the country reach the knockout stage for the first time. However, the journey ended in the Round of 16 after a narrow 1-0 defeat against Italy. Norway finally returns after 28-year wait The 2026 World Cup marked Norway’s first appearance since 1998 and represented a major achievement for coach Stale Solbakken. After years of disappointment in qualifying campaigns, Solbakken finally built a team capable of competing at the highest level. Norway dominated European qualifying extraordinarily. The national team won all eight qualifying matches, scored 37 goals, and conceded only five. StatisticNorway Men’s World Cup RecordAppearances4 (1938, 1994, 1998, 2026)Matches Played13 (through the 2026 Round of 16)Wins / Draws / Losses6 Wins / 3 Draws / 4 Losses (through the 2026 Round of 16)Goals For / Goals Against19 Goals Scored / 17 Goals Conceded (through the 2026 Round of 16)Maiden World Cup GoalArne Brustad (1938 vs. Italy)Biggest World Cup Win4-1 vs. Iraq (2026) The attacking numbers have been historic, with Erling Haaland leading the way. The Manchester City striker scored 16 goals during qualifying, matching the record for most goals by a player in a World Cup qualifying campaign. The Norway team line up at 1998 World Cup Norway’s best World Cup finish Norway’s best World Cup result is now reaching the Quarter-finals in 2026. Before this historic run, the national team’s best finishes were reaching the Round of 16 in both 1938 and 1998, having never progressed beyond that stage until now. In the 2026 World Cup, Norway shattered their previous ceiling by advancing to the Quarter-finals to face England, marking an unprecedented achievement after their long absence from the tournament. TournamentGroup Stage OpponentsRecord (W-D-L)Final Result1938 FranceItaly (Round of 16)0–0–1Round of 161994 United StatesMexico, Republic of Ireland, Italy1–1–1Group Stage1998 FranceMorocco, Scotland, Brazil1–2–1Round of 162026 United States / Canada / MexicoFrance, Iraq, Senegal4–0–1Quarter-finals (Ongoing) Although the team entered the tournament with ambitions of making a deep run, reaching the knockout stage already represents a major step forward. The national team’s journey has also produced a unique World Cup record. Norway remains one of the few teams to have fa
‘England are one of the best national teams in the world,’ Martin Odegaard previews Norway’s quarterfinal
Before the match between Norway and England, Martin Odegaard shared his vision. Nothing can be taken for granted at the World Cup after everything that happened in the Round of 16. The team that surprised everyone the most was Norway, who defeated Brazil with Martin Odegaard as captain before setting up a quarterfinal against England. Odegaard said: “Obviously we know the quality they have. I know them really well. Outstanding players, world-class players, playing for probably one of the best national teams in the world at the moment, so it’s going to be a big test for us.” While Brazil did not show its best version in this tournament, eliminating a powerhouse like that was a huge achievement. A saved penalty in the first half kept Norway in the match before Erling Haaland scored twice in the 2-1 victory after a late goal. Odegaard hails Declan Rice With Odegaard playing in England, it’s natural for him to face players who are his teammates or opponents throughout the season. This match features several players with Arsenal connections, including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze. The midfielders are good teammates (Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Even if all of them are important players for England, Odegaard focused more on the midfielder as he shares the midfield and the captaincy role with Rice at Arsenal. The Norway captain had plenty of praise for Rice, describing him as one of the most complete midfielders in the game. Odegaard said: “Rice’s someone who always gives everything for the team, always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy to the pitch, to the team, driving the team forward. He can do so many things on the pitch. He can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be good on the ball. He’s a very complete player, so it’s going to be a good test for all of us.” Odegaard on Norway’s confidence Norway may not be the favorite in this matchup with all the talent England has, but nothing can stop them from believing in themselves after eliminating Brazil. Odegaard said: “We have to have the belief in ourselves. We’ve shown the whole world that we’re a good team. In football, anything is possible. Even though we’re the underdogs again, let’s see what happens and let’s prepare well.”