Norway manager Stale Solbakken has allayed fears over Julian Ryerson's fitness ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against England, insisting the Borussia Dortmund full-back will 'look even better' in the next match.
Ryerson was forced off just after the hour mark in Norway's 2-0 victory over Brazil, having only recently returned from a hamstring problem that kept him out of two previous matches. The defender received treatment on the bench, sparking concern he could miss the clash with England in Miami.
'It was the calves. Fortunately, the injury held,' Solbakken said. 'It's just the strain, that he hasn't trained enough. He'll look even better in the next game.'
Norway's historic run continues
Norway's win over Brazil, secured by a brace from Erling Haaland, propelled them to the quarter-finals for the first time in their World Cup history. Solbakken described the achievement as 'very rare' and praised his team for fulfilling the hopes of the nation.
'It's very rare that you fulfil the hopes of an entire nation in that way,' he said. 'That the guys make it so that all of Norway can remember that night here, no matter how it goes. We will do our best to make next weekend just as good.'
England reached the last eight after a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca, setting up a highly anticipated showdown in Miami.
Solbakken criticizes FIFA over Balogun decision
Solbakken also expressed strong criticism of FIFA's decision to suspend a one-match ban for USA striker Folarin Balogun, who was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The ban was lifted after the White House contacted FIFA, a move Solbakken described as 'bad, bad, bad, bad, bad.'
'I think that's a big mistake by FIFA,' Solbakken said. 'I think it's not a great conclusion. He's got the red card and the VAR concluded that it was a red card. He was sent off. That means you are suspended for one game.'
The Norway boss warned the decision could have wider implications for the tournament's integrity. 'What about the next red card? What happens then? Is there going to be a committee somewhere that is going to take that card away? Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision that will hurt the World Cup.'
Solbakken added that he feels sorry for the United States, as any victory against Belgium would be overshadowed by the controversy. 'Not good for the sport. Bad decision by FIFA.'
