Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard played 81 minutes during Norway’s 4-1 World Cup group stage win over Iraq on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old had an injury-plagued campaign with the Gunners, but he continues to remain an undisputed starter for his country.
There were no surprises that he captained the side and produced a reasonable performance in Norway’s first World Cup game since 1998.
Playing in a slightly deeper midfield position, Odegaard completed 98 percent of his passes. He also won two tackles alongside three duels.
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However, he did not offer much going forward. He managed just one shot off target and eventually got an assist from a late Norway corner.
The Gunners skipper delivered a fabulous cross in the 76th minute from the right flank, which was met by a powerful header from Leo Ostigard.
Odegaard was substituted soon after. Shortly after the game, popular Norwegian outlet Norsk Rikskringkasting said the midfielder had an impressive first half and praised his delivery for the decisive third goal for his country. He was handed a 5/10 rating.
The outlet wrote: “Looked impressive in the first half, but hit 20 of 20 passes. Weak shot wide after 35 minutes. Didn’t catch the run to the Iraq player on the 1-0 goal. Could have been dangerous.
“Played up in the second half. Nice combination Ryerson after 55 minutes. Served a fantastic corner kick on the forehead of Østigård. Substituted soon after.”
Meanwhile, Verdens Gang were somewhat critical about Odegaard and highlighted that more is expected from him. However, they were appreciative of the playmaker for delivering an assist for Ostigard’s towering header.
VG said: “Of course, it’s possible that we judge his captain more harshly than others because he’s always measured against himself at his best.
“Then it looks extra good when he is a distance away from it. But it’s not like everything he did was lousy. Ødegaard played his part, and he got an assist for Leo Ostigard’s 3-1 goal.”
Odegaard was fluent in his distribution in Norway’s World Cup return, but he was not at his creative best on the pitch.
Norway still won comfortably by a 4-1 scoreline with Erling Haaland bagging a brace.
They will need their captain to step up for the challenging games ahead against Senegal and France in Group I.
Norway look well-placed to qualify for the next round after their commanding victory over Iraq.
Still, they will want to make a big statement against their upcoming opponents before a possible round-of-32 clash.
Stats from Sofascore.com