Six European sides have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in a tournament outside Europe since 1994, but Norway’s preparations for their clash with England have been hit by a sickness bug.
The Norwegians fired into the last eight with a confident win over Brazil, Erling Haaland scoring twice. But fatigue from jet setting across North America has taken its toll, according to Norwegian outlet Dagbladet, with the squad recovering from bouts of illness just days before they face England.
“Norway hit by sickness ahead of England quarter-final; six European teams in last eight.”
England, meanwhile, are buoyant after battling past Mexico at the Azteca, where they handled altitude and a hostile crowd. “This has shown we have a team capable of winning the World Cup,” former England striker Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport after the win. “The belief this will give to these players is huge.”
Historically, European teams rarely triumph at World Cups held outside the continent. Only Spain in South Africa in 2010 and Germany in Brazil four years later have done so. But with Belgium, England, France, Norway, Spain and Switzerland among the last eight—alongside Argentina and Morocco—another European winner looks possible.
The European sides started slowly: seven of the first 10 to play their opening group games failed to win. Few managers blamed the conditions. After Belgium drew with Egypt, coach Rudi Garcia said: “Whether it is 10 degrees or 30 degrees, we should have done better.” Switzerland’s Murat Yakin pointed to wastefulness after a 1-1 draw with Qatar. But they improved, finishing the group stage with 17 wins, 12 draws and seven losses against non-European opposition.
In the knockouts, Belgium brushed aside co-hosts USA and will next face Spain. “It was encouraging signs from Belgium,” former England defender Matt Upson said on BBC One. “They are going to need to be good against what is a brilliant Spanish midfield.” France dealt with Paraguay’s ‘dark arts’ and will meet Morocco in the quarter-finals on Tuesday at Boston Stadium. Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to reach the last eight.
Norway’s illness has cast doubt on their preparation, though Haaland has enjoyed a brilliant debut World Cup. England will hope to exploit any weakness as they seek to become the first European team to win a World Cup outside Europe since Germany in 2014.