Next golden generation? Norway, led by Haaland, have the talent for a bright future

Norway haven’t reached an international men’s football tournament since 2000. A country with a population of 5.5 million people might not be expected to be high achievers, though Croatia (3.8 million) make a good fist of it, while far smaller European nations have qualified for either the World Cup or the European Championship since.

Iceland (376,000), Northern Ireland (1.8 million), Wales (3.1 million), Republic of Ireland (5 million), Albania (2.8 million), North Macedonia (2 million), Slovakia (5.4 million), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (3.2 million) have made appearances. Neighbours Finland played at Euro 2020, and nearby Denmark, both with similar populations, have played in seven international tournaments since Norway featured in Euro 2000.

That team more than 23 years ago was seeded second in their group behind Spain, but after upsetting La Roja 1-0 in the opening game, they lost to Yugoslavia and were eliminated on head-to-head results. Disappointment is the norm for fans of the Norway national football team.

Norway has no trouble excelling in winter sports, finishing top of the medals table in the 2022 Winter Olympics with 16 golds, just as they did in 2018. No country has finished top more times than them.

Yet Norway is also a football-crazy country. The biggest supporters’ clubs of English giants Manchester United and Liverpool are in Norway. The domestic Eliteserien league is ranked 16th by Uefa, ahead of Denmark, Croatia, Sweden and many other leagues from countries whose national teams have reached major tournaments.

When Norway were drawn in a group with Scotland, Georgia, Cyprus and Spain for the Euro 2024 qualifiers, hopes were high. None of the teams bar Spain have been tournament regulars, yet Norway