Norway delivered a statement performance in their World Cup preparation friendly against Sweden on Monday, carving out a 3-1 victory even without their talisman Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker, who has terrorized Premier League defences this season, was not included in the matchday squad and instead watched from the stands. His absence did little to derail a Norwegian side that looked cohesive and hungry, as they dismantled their Scandinavian neighbours in front of a buoyant home crowd.
Alexander Isak struck for Sweden, continuing his purple patch in front of goal, but it proved little more than a consolation as the visitors were outclassed for large spells. The Newcastle forward's instinctive finish briefly threatened a comeback, yet Norway's early dominance had already firmly established the contest's trajectory. The hosts surged into a three-goal lead, exposing frailties in a Swedish defence that will need urgent attention before the World Cup kicks off.
With the FIFA World Cup rapidly approaching, both managers used the contest to tinker with tactics and personnel. For Norway, the night offered a chance to prove they are not a one-man team. Head coach Stale Solbakken would have been delighted to see his forward line function seamlessly without Haaland, whose staggering goal tally often overshadows the collective. Midfielders and wingers stepped into the creative void, combining for slick moves that sliced through Sweden's press.
Sweden, meanwhile, left with more questions than answers. While Isak's predatory instincts were a rare bright spot, the defensive disorganization at set pieces and transition phases would alarm coach Jon Dahl Tomasson. The backline, often lauded for its resilience, was caught out repeatedly, with Norway exploiting gaps between full-backs and centre-halves. Even the return of captain Victor Lindelof did little to shore up the rearguard.
The Scandinavian derby always carries extra edge, and recent history has seen the pendulum swing. Norway had not beaten Sweden in their last two meetings, including a tense 1-1 draw in 2023. This victory restores bragging rights and injects momentum into a team that will face group opponents at the World Cup with renewed belief. For Sweden, the defeat serves as a reality check after a qualifying campaign that impressed many.
Isak's goal, a poacher's effort from close range after a scramble in the box, underscored his value to the Swedish setup. Since his switch to Newcastle, the 24-year-old has matured into one of Europe's most reliable strikers, yet his supporting cast needs to provide more consistent service if Sweden are to progress beyond the tournament's group stage. On this evidence, the imbalance between the two sides was stark.
Norway's supporting actors seized their moment. Without Haaland's gravity, the attack became less predictable, with midfield runners arriving late into the box and wide players cutting inside to devastating effect. The first goal arrived from a corner routine that exposed Sweden's zonal marking, and the second stemmed from a turnover high up the pitch—a blueprint Solbakken will hope to replicate on the grandest stage.
For Swedish fans, the night was a sobering affair but not devoid of hope. Isak's ability to conjure something from nothing remains a weapon, and younger players like Dejan Kulusevski showed flashes of creativity. Yet the midfield lacked control, and the transition from defence to attack was ponderous. Tomasson will have much to address on the training ground in the coming weeks.
Both teams now turn their attention to the final friendly windows before the World Cup. Norway's path will likely see them face another European heavyweights, while Sweden are expected to fine-tune against lower-ranked opponents to build confidence. The countdown to football's biggest event ticks louder, and nights like this offer a crucial gauge of readiness.
Haaland's absence from the lineup naturally drew attention, but Norway's performance emphatically highlighted the depth at Solbakken's disposal. The striker, who has shouldered the goalscoring burden relentlessly, watched his teammates flourish—a sight that will encourage the manager ahead of the global showpiece.
As the final whistle blew, the Norwegian players celebrated with their supporters, clearly relishing the win over a familiar foe. For Sweden, the long journey home offered time to reflect on the gaps that need plugging. Isak's goal, while a personal milestone, could not paper over the cracks. The World Cup awaits no one, and both teams must accelerate their preparations.
Based on reporting from ESPN.