1998 heroes hope Haaland's generation can replicate Brazil upset
Norwegian veterans who famously defeated Brazil at the 1998 World Cup hope the current generation can repeat the feat in Sunday's Round of 16 clash.
Tore André Flo avait inscrit le but égalisateur de la Norvège face au Brésil, le 23 juin 1998 à Marseille. (P. Boutroux/L'Équipe) Kjetil Rekdal avait inscrit le but victorieux sur penalty. (P. Boutroux/L'Équipe)
It has been 28 years since Norway pulled off one of football's greatest upsets, defeating Brazil 2-1 during the group stage of the 1998 World Cup. For Tore André Flo, who played a pivotal role in that victory, the match remains a constant topic of conversation. Now, he and his former teammates are looking with optimism toward the current generation as they prepare for a Round of 16 showdown against the Brazilians.
Flo hopes that Erling Haaland's side will eclipse the achievements of his own generation: "They can do even better than us and become the new heroes. That way, I won't be asked about 1998 anymore, and I'd be very happy with that. Back then, we weren't favorites, but today the balance of power seems more balanced."
Former central defender Dan Eggen believes the legacy of 1998 provides valuable lessons for Haaland and his teammates. He points out that Brazil has never beaten Norway in their four historical meetings (2 draws and 2 Norwegian wins), a statistic that could provide a psychological boost. Meanwhile, Kjetil Rekdal, who scored the winning penalty in 1998, emphasizes the importance of managing emotions during such high-stakes fixtures.
The current manager, Ståle Solbakken, who was part of the 1998 squad, is highly regarded by his predecessors. While the team features creative talents like Martin Ødegaard, veterans suggest that utilizing the physicality of Haaland and Alexander Sørloth could mirror the successful tactical approach used a quarter-century ago to disrupt the Brazilian defense.