Odegaard Says Norway Must Raise Standards in Wales Rematch
Martin Odegaard says Norway must show a different level against Wales in Oslo after snow disrupted training and last month's defeat in Cardiff, with both sides battling to avoid relegation from the Nations League's top tier.
Norway captain Martin Odegaard has backed his side to produce a much-improved display when they face Wales in Oslo on Saturday, having been beaten 2-1 in Cardiff last month. Snow forced Norway to train indoors on Thursday because the Ullevaal Stadion pitch was covered, but the surface was cleared on Friday and the squad returned to training outdoors. Odegaard called the disruption not ideal but said the team had to adapt, adding that it was not the end of the world.
The Cardiff loss was Wales' only win of the campaign so far, and Norway head coach Stale Solbakken described his team's first-half display that day as their worst in two years. He said Norway had been passive and lacked intensity without the ball, were decent in possession, and conceded a red card a minute into the second half. Odegaard said Norway's level had not been where it should be and that the team wanted to show a different version on Saturday.
Norway and Wales both have three points from four games in Group A4, with Norway below Wales in third because of their head-to-head record. Both still have a chance of finishing second behind Portugal, but they are also competing to avoid potential relegation from the Nations League's top tier. Solbakken said both teams need to win, describing the contest as a head-to-head fight and a crucial game, with third place the first target.
Solbakken praised Wales under head coach Craig Bellamy as an attacking side that has progressed with the ball, pointing to their speed on the wings and the return of Harry Wilson, as well as Lewis Koumas getting more minutes for Liverpool. He said he was not surprised Wales would go all in, but expected them to face their own struggles against Norway at home.
Bellamy and winger Daniel James, who scored Wales' first goal in Cardiff, have said they are mindful of Norway's desire for revenge. Solbakken said that could be called revenge or whatever, but stressed that both sides simply need the win. Norway had been unbeaten in 2025 before their run to the World Cup quarter-finals but have lost their past three matches, including 2-1 defeats against Portugal either side of the loss in Cardiff.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
