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Norway has issued a firm update on its team’s health ahead of its crucial World Cup quarter-final match against England on Saturday.
Following rumors that an illness was spreading through the field after the victory over Brazil, the team doctor clarified the situation. Meanwhile, both nations face the added challenge of severe storms and intense heat in Miami.
The doctor dismisses rumors about team illnesses
Following reports of an illness affecting the camp, Norway team doctor Ola Sand dismissed concerns ahead of the World Cup quarter-final match against England in Miami on Saturday. Speculation arose after coach Stale Solbakken spoke about the health of players such as Marcus Pedersen and Jorgen Strand Larsen following their 2-1 victory over Brazil.
However, Sand told Norwegian outlet Nettavisen that the squad is in top shape. “All the players are healthy now,” Sand said. “Very little fuss, considering we’ve been together for almost six weeks. It’s great that they believe this [the sickness bug rumor]. “We are in control.”
Solbakken explains recent health problems
Initial fears were raised by Solbakken during his post-game press conference in New Jersey. The Norwegian manager detailed the physical cost of traveling thousands of kilometers across the United States. He explained that Strand Larsen had a fever, while Pedersen was feeling unwell the morning of the game against Brazil.
Solbakken offers all the details about the situation: “We’ve really only had Jorgen who has had a fever. But then there has been a bit of coughing and snoring uniformly, scattered everywhere. But there is air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that. We are more than 50 people, so it would be strange if one or the other didn’t come.”
Storms and heat threaten the Miami game
Beyond the health of the Norway squad, both teams are preparing for extreme weather conditions on Saturday. Forecasts predict temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius in Miami, presenting a challenge that impacts performance. In addition, there is a risk of isolated storms that could disrupt the match.
Thomas Tuchel and the England team are already familiar with weather complications, having suffered a delayed start against Mexico in their 3-2 win due to a lightning strike. England have also had to deal with the heat during their 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With Reece James and Jordan Henderson dealing with injuries, England must manage their fitness carefully against a Norwegian team that relies heavily on Erling Haaland.
What’s next for England and Norway?
As Saturday approaches, both nations face a demanding race to ensure their key players are fully fit for this historic World Cup quarter-final. England will look to maintain their momentum under Tuchel and get closer to the trophy, while Norway must overcome any lingering travel fatigue to pull off another big upset in Miami.
