Odegaard Confident Norway Can Challenge Denmark in Nations League Opener
Martin Odegaard believes Norway are better prepared than ever to meet the leading nations as they return to Nations League action against Denmark at a sold-out Ullevaal Stadion on Thursday evening.
The Arsenal midfielder will lead Norway into their League A Group 4 opener after a year in which injuries interrupted his club and international schedule. Odegaard, however, said he has now regained full fitness and sees a national side with greater tactical assurance following its landmark World Cup run in North America.
Norway reached the quarter-finals before losing to England, a campaign which brought an unusual level of national attention to the team. Odegaard recalled the scale of the reaction after the elimination, including tears from his wife, Helene Spilling, in the stands, and said the players had felt the country unite behind them.
“The support from people in Norway was incredible,” Odegaard said. “It was emotional, and the feeling was shared by those at the stadium and by many watching when we went out. There was a real connection between the country and this team.”
That experience has strengthened the squad’s belief ahead of a demanding international window that also includes fixtures against Portugal and Wales. Norway’s captain said the group have demonstrated that they can compete with the strongest sides, while adding that their structure and confidence have improved considerably from earlier meetings with their rivals.
Denmark rivalry and Ronaldo reunion
The Denmark match carries additional weight for Odegaard because of the traditional Scandinavian rivalry. Norway are also due to face Sweden, and the captain made clear that results against neighbouring countries matter greatly to supporters.
“There is meant to be a rivalry, and it is definitely there,” he said. “Winning against the countries around you is always significant. We have more confidence and more security in our game now, and we have shown that we can belong with the top teams.”
Attention will then turn to Portugal, where Odegaard could again share an international pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Norwegian made his Real Madrid debut as a substitute for Ronaldo earlier in his career and spoke warmly of the influence the Portuguese forward had on him during that period.
Odegaard described Ronaldo’s career as extraordinary and said he learned a great deal from the former Real Madrid teammate. Facing him for Norway remains a particularly meaningful prospect, but the immediate task is to begin the Nations League campaign with the attacking intent Odegaard has promised against Denmark in Oslo.
