Norway delivered a dominant performance against Moldova, producing an extraordinary 11-1 victory that showcased both their attacking strength and relentless approach. By half-time, the Norwegians were already leading 5-0, a margin so comfortable that they could have made wholesale changes and still been expected to secure the win.
Despite the emphatic advantage, the team did not slow down. They went on to add six more goals in the second half, although an own goal meant the final score was 11-1. For most supporters, the match was effectively decided by the interval, yet head coach Ståle Solbakken was not content with what he had seen.
Solbakken Demands More
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Known for setting high standards, Solbakken consistently pushes his players to maintain intensity regardless of the scoreline. His insistence on discipline and ruthlessness was evident in his reaction during the break. Rather than celebrating the five-goal lead, he focused on the opportunities that had been missed, making it clear that he expected more from his side.
For the players, the half-time team talk came as something of a surprise. Many would have anticipated praise after such a dominant display in the opening 45 minutes. Instead, the manager’s message reinforced the need to remain sharp, concentrated, and ambitious until the final whistle.
Ødegaard on the Manager’s Mentality
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Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard later reflected on the unusual atmosphere in the dressing room. Speaking via [TV2](https://www.tv2.no/sport/solbakken-avslorer-ga-dem-en-harfoner-i-pausen/18083550/), he said: “It was solidly executed, so even though Ståle wasn’t completely happy at halftime, there was a lot of good stuff.”
His comments underline the demanding culture fostered by Solbakken, where even commanding leads do not excuse complacency. The philosophy is clear: success at the highest level requires not just talent, but also relentless commitment to improvement, even in matches that appear to be comfortably won.
Norway’s emphatic victory will be remembered for its scoreline, but perhaps more importantly, it highlighted the mentality being instilled within the squad. With leaders such as Ødegaard embodying that approach, Norway appear determined to raise their standards further as they continue their pursuit of qualification.