Martin Odegaard doesn’t do underdogs the way most captains do. He doesn’t deflect or downplay. He looks you in the eye and says Norway believe they can win.
That confidence faces its biggest test yet. Norway meet England in the World Cup quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday night. And Odegaard’s in the unusual position of squaring off against four of his own Arsenal teammates.
Declan Rice. Bukayo Saka. Noni Madueke. Eberechi Eze. These are the players Odegaard trains with every day at London Colney.
“I’ve spoken to a few of them a bit during the tournament,” Odegaard told reporters ahead of the match. “Obviously we know the quality they have.”
He didn’t stop there.
“Outstanding, world-class players, playing for one of the best national teams in the world. It’s going to be a big test for us.”
The Midfield Battle That Could Decide Everything
The spotlight falls squarely on Odegaard versus Rice. At Arsenal, they’re inseparable — the creative brain and the engine room working in tandem. On Saturday, they’ll try to outplay each other.
Odegaard had nothing but praise for his club partner. “He can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be good on the ball — he’s a very complete player,” he said.
But it’s not just about Rice. Odegaard knows the entire England squad is stacked with quality. “The whole team has unbelievable players. It’s a massive test and we’re looking forward to it.”
Why Norway Aren’t Just Here to Participate
Let’s be honest about what this squad has already achieved:
– Beat Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2 in the group stage
– Knocked out Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the round of 32
– Stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the last 16
This is Norway’s first World Cup since 1998. Their first ever quarter-final. And with Erling Haaland scoring seven goals in four matches — averaging one every 51 minutes — they’re far more than a feel-good story.
Odegaard embraces the underdog label rather than running from it. “Brazil was the same. We were the underdogs, and as you saw, anything can happen in football,” he said.
“We have to have belief in ourselves. We’ve shown the whole world that we’re a good team.”
Can they really beat England? Well, nobody expected them to knock out Brazil either.
A Virus Threatens Both Camps
There’s one lingering concern heading into Saturday. A cold-like virus has swept through Norway’s camp throughout the tournament. Odegaard himself has fallen ill in recent days.
His uncle Thomas, the national team physio, has reportedly been hit hardest. Right-back Marcus Holmgren Pedersen already missed the Brazil match due to the same bug, though he’s since returned to training.
England aren’t immune either. Reports from The Telegraph indicate Rice has been kept away from training amid his own illness concerns. The marquee midfield duel may hinge on who recovers fastest.
Solbakken’s Quiet Revolution
Manager Stale Solbakken doesn’t get enough credit. He took a nation with zero major tournament experience since 1998 and turned them into genuine contenders. Norway’s qualifying campaign was flawless — eight wins, 37 goals scored, just five conceded.
And he’s unlocked a slightly different version of Odegaard than Arsenal fans are used to watching.
“He has, perhaps, a little bit more of a free role in our team,” Solbakken said. That extra freedom lets Odegaard drift, create, and feed Haaland in ways that have made Norway so dangerous.
What’s at Stake in Miami
England are in their third straight World Cup quarter-final. Harry Kane has six goals. Jude Bellingham has been sensational. This is a squad built to reach semi-finals.
But Norway have momentum, belief, and two of the deadliest attackers on the planet. Odegaard isn’t interested in playing the plucky underdog who’s just happy to be here.
“Hopefully we can make even more history,” he said.
Kickoff is 10pm UK time in Miami. For Arsenal fans, it’ll be the strangest evening — cheering for one of their own while hoping the other four don’t show up. Whatever happens, Odegaard has already captained Norway further than anyone thought possible.
