With several key players, including Erling Haaland, sent home ahead of Norway’s friendly against New Zealand, the match presented an opportunity for a new hero to emerge for the national team. Antonio Nusa took that chance, demonstrating his quality and composure on the international stage. The attacker has consistently delivered for Norway, and his performance against New Zealand was no exception, helping the team navigate a challenging encounter without their main stars.
Norway faced a difficult test, as New Zealand capitalised on the absence of Haaland and other key players. The visitors even took the lead in added time of the first half, highlighting Norway’s struggle to break down New Zealand’s defence for much of the game. Despite this, Norway’s recent run of strong form meant they could rely on other squad members to step up, and Nusa proved himself capable of doing so. His equaliser ensured that Norway salvaged a positive result and demonstrated that the team can perform even without its usual stars.
Nusa’s Influence
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Nusa’s goal and overall performance earned widespread praise, cementing his reputation as a reliable figure for Norway. He showed composure and creativity, qualities that have made him a trusted option for the national team. TV 2 expert Jesper Mathisen, as quoted via [Nettavisen](https://www.nettavisen.no/sport/antonio-nusa-reddet-norge-fra-tap-verdens-beste-ullevaal-spiller/s/5-95-2672290), said, “Nusa is the world’s best Ullevaal player. At Ullevaal, this wizard does exactly as he wants.” The remarks underline Nusa’s ability to shine in front of the home crowd and perform in crucial moments.
Dependable Talent
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The match highlighted why Nusa is a player Norway can consistently trust. His technical ability, movement, and decision-making make him a key contributor, particularly when the team is missing its star names. Fans can expect Nusa to play a central role whenever Norway compete at home, providing reassurance that the team has talent beyond its most famous players. His performance against New Zealand shows that Norway has depth and adaptability, crucial for maintaining momentum and achieving results in upcoming fixtures.