Haaland set for World Cup debut as Norway's 28-year wait ends

Haaland's World Cup debut arrives Tuesday in Boston

28 years. That is how long Norway has waited. The wait ends Tuesday when your team faces Iraq in the Group I opener at the World Cup (1) (2).

Erling Haaland leads the line. Martin Ødegaard captains the side. Ståle Solbakken did not downplay it. "I think he is the world's best goalscorer," he said of Haaland (8) (10).

Iraq coach Graham Arnold has a plan, or a prayer. "They can't play with fear, they have to play with enthusiasm," he said of his players facing Haaland. "São homens contra homens." Men against men (4).

Strand Larsen a doubt with fever

Jörgen Strand Larsen woke up with a fever and missed Monday's final training session (5). Solbakken confirmed it: "Han vaknade med lite feber", he woke with a slight fever (5).

His status for the opener is unclear. If he cannot go, the attacking depth behind Haaland thins at the worst possible moment.

Flo calls this generation Norway's best ever

Tore André Flo knows Norwegian football as well as anyone. His verdict on this squad: the most talented generation the country has ever produced (10) (12).

"If you look at their abilities with the ball, where they play, we have the top scorer in the Premier League and the captain of the team that won the Premier League," Flo said. "There are now more than two. There are lots of players who can positively decide a result" (12).

Squad inspects the Boston stadium

Haaland and Ødegaard were among the players who walked the pitch at the Boston stadium on Monday, getting a feel for the venue before Tuesday's opener (13). Routine preparation, but the images matter: Norway are actually here, at a World Cup.

Politician wants kids to skip school for the match

Krf-Ulstein, a Norwegian political figure, has publicly asked schools to let children skip class to watch the Iraq match (7). A small gesture that captures the mood back home.

Sørloth linked with Juventus

Away from the World Cup: Alexander Sørloth is reportedly a transfer target for Juventus (14). The Atletico Madrid striker is not in the Norway squad for this tournament, but the link suggests his club future may shift this summer.