Cold bug in Norway camp ahead of England quarter-final

Cold bug hits the squad before England

A cold is running through the Norway camp ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against England (1). Stale Solbakken told reporters that Jorgen Strand Larsen was the only player with a fever, but there is some coughing and hoarseness spreading through the group (1). Julian Ryerson, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, and even Erling Haaland have all been affected to some degree, though the manager did not sound alarmed.

Norway 2–1 Brazil, Haaland with both

You knocked out Brazil. Norway 2–1 in the Round of 16, and Haaland scored both goals (1). This is the first time Norway have ever reached a World Cup quarter-final, and it came against one of the pre-tournament favourites. Brazil are out, their post-mortem already running, questions flying at Carlo Ancelotti, Vini Jr, and the entire setup after a campaign that never found its identity (3). None of that is your concern.

Shilton backs England

Peter Shilton, England's most-capped player, expects England to beat you (2). He pointed to the Mexico win as evidence Thomas Tuchel's side can handle high-pressure knockout football. Haaland is the obvious problem, and Shilton knows it, he named him as the threat England must contain (2).

Fan reactions

The mood online is a mix of English nerves and Norwegian delight. One England fan on Reddit admitted he is excited but nervous about Haaland, calling the Mexico game a thriller. Another thread is already joking that Haaland has cost FIFA millions by knocking out Brazil before the quarter-final, a matchup the broadcasters were surely counting on. See what fans are saying →