Haaland Defends Norway’s Big-Rotation Plan: “We Couldn’t Beat France Anyway”
Erling Haaland has stood by Norway’s choice to rest ten starters in their 4-1 loss to France in the final World Cup qualifying match. Manager Ståle Solbakken heavily rotated the squad, conceding Group I’s top spot to Les Bleus. France cruised to victory thanks to a first-half hat-trick by Ousmane Dembélé and a stoppage-time goal from Désiré Doué, with Thelo Aasgaard’s earlier strike proving only a consolation. Haaland admitted that even at full strength, Norway would have struggled to overcome the two-time world champions. By finishing second, Norway now face Côte d’Ivoire in the Round of 32 in Dallas, while France will meet third-placed Sweden. Haaland, one goal shy of the tournament’s scoring lead, says he’s focused on peak fitness for the knockout phase.
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