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Norway, which was in turmoil at the FIFA World Cup, got an extremely important victory in the final match of the first group against the Philippines.
A superstar emerged Caroline Graham Hansen, whose comments after the previous match caused a stir in Norway. The star player, who played cheerfully, led Norway to a 6–0 victory with his hit.
Graham Hansen did not fit into the starting line-up in the previous match and he opened up about the treatment he received after the game by indirectly criticizing the head coach Hege Riisea.
However, he apologized for his actions the very next day by unexpectedly appearing in front of the press.
– I really just want to apologize for my statement after the game yesterday, Graham Hansen said.
There have been other commotions around Norway. Just one day before the final game of the group, NRK reported that the players were dissatisfied with the coaching. According to NRK, numerous players would have told, among other things, about bad coaching during matches, unclear communication and silence in the locker room.
The players disagreed
After the 6–0 victory, the Norwegian players denied the story published by NRK. However, Graham Hansen admitted that the focus has gone on the wrong things.
– People interpret things one way or another. I haven’t opened Instagram for a week because I have to be present and focus on what’s important. It goes without saying that the focus has gone to the wrong things. That’s when things get tough, striker said to NRK.
– We are all ready for it. We are a very united group and we showed that we could focus on the essentials.
Midfielder Guro Reiten on the other hand, wondered where NRK got its information from.
– I don’t know where those things come from. I don’t recognize them at all. I’m not going to speculate too much. I find it strange that such a thing was said on the eve of the most important match, Reite said according to TV2.
– We are a close group. Lately you have heard all kinds of things, but you saw that those things are not true. You saw on the field how united we are, defender Tuva Hansen in turn stated.
The turmoil was properly channeled
On Sunday, Norway and Graham Hansen’s Kohut were not seen on the field. Graham Hansen played cheerfully, cheated others and shot hard to give Norway a 3–0 lead.
– He came to show everyone that he is a world-class player. He was really good at passing, creating situations and also looked for a solution himself. All I could see was that he needs to be on the field and he can solve these matches, Urheilu’s expert Jonne Kunnas says.
According to Kunnas, it is really important for the Norwegian team that the leading players stepped up against the Philippines. Compared to previous matches, Kunnas saw both game-like and mental changes.
For example, organized attacks used to be difficult for Norway, but now it managed to take advantage Vilde Risa better in midfield.
– Frida Maanum and Guro Reiten came in time to support Risa. The rhythm of the whole attack was immediately much better. That was the absolute key.
– The second is the spiritual side. The team was able to appear united in the midst of all the turmoil and got things rolling. They got the turmoil right. It can be a big benefit for the future.
You can watch the goal composition of Norway’s 6–0 victory in the video below.
Simple gameplay
However, the municipality is surprised at how much of the team’s internal matters have been leaked to the outside.
– When no one is at the opening and everyone is in a bad mood the day before the game day. How is that possible? Yes, this indicates that the coach is playing his last games in the team, Kunnas sees.
Kunnas thinks that the conflicts between the players and the coaching are caused by game-related issues. Norway has played traditional bus defense and attacked simply. In Europe’s top leagues, the way of playing is often more carefully thought out.
– These players play in club teams where the game is tuned to the last detail. They do realize that the game could also be more versatile. And it feeds that conflict between the coaching and the players.
Would Hegerberg even be a burden?
Norway reached the playoffs with a win, but the continuation looks difficult. Norway will probably face Spain in the first round of the playoffs.
– It’s hard to see that Norway will survive it in the future. The game has evolved and the best players are better inside the game and they give hope of possibilities, but it will be a massive test. Let the worst possible opponent approach.
It’s also a headache by Ada Hegerberg situation. Will Hegerberg recover from his groin problem and does it even make sense for Norway to start him?
Kunnas reminds that Norway’s game has been much better when Hegerberg has not been on the field.
– He is a top player with certain strengths and weaknesses. He takes a lot of space from others and then the attack and defense have to be built through him getting to the ball. When he didn’t play, Norway was able to advance in a much more versatile way.
– If he is healthy, who will play and what effect will that have? In the 2019 World Cup, Hegerberg was not involved and Norway reached the quarterfinals. When Hegerberg has been involved, Norway has had difficulties.
You can find everything about the World Cup: Competition news, topics, Futistietäjä, program, results and statistics on ‘s World Cup website here.