Erling Haaland watched Norway’s World Cup group stage finale against France from the bench on June 26, and Norwegian fans were not happy about it. Coach Stale Solbakken called it a “no-brainer.” France apparently agreed, putting four goals past a Haaland-less Norway in a 4-1 rout in Boston.
But here’s the thing. Norway had already punched their ticket to the knockout rounds. And while the scoreline looked ugly, the strategic calculus was straightforward: keep your best striker fresh for the matches that actually matter.
The on-field logic and the off-field market
Solbakken rested both Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard for the France fixture. The decision had full team support, according to the coach. With qualification already secured, risking injury to your two most important players in a dead rubber would have been genuinely reckless.
Haaland’s tournament to that point had been electric. The Manchester City striker scored multiple goals in the group stage, including braces in Norway’s earlier matches. His performances were the primary reason Norway advanced in the first place.
