Martin Odegaard says Norway are writing their own history after setting up a World Cup tie against Brazil.
Martin Odegaard says Norway are 'writing our own history' after their World Cup victory over Ivory Coast set up a last-16 tie with Brazil.
Norway edged past Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32, with Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland finding the net on either side of Amad Diallo’s equaliser.
The result means Norway now face a major test against Brazil in the knockouts, with Odegaard set for a possible reunion with Arsenal teammates Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli.
It marks a huge moment for Norway, who are into the last 16 and preparing for one of the most significant games in their recent football history.
Odegaard reflected on what it meant to help Norway take another step forward in the tournament.
“It is difficult to put into words, really,” Odegaard said.
“A fantastic feeling. Everything we have been through, and seeing the steps we have taken, what we do on the pitch against a very, very good team, going through in the World Cup, playing a good game, celebrating with our fans, the whole country behind us. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Odegaard also spoke about the scenes back home in Norway, where supporters gathered to watch the national team continue their run.
The Arsenal captain said Norway’s players have long dreamed of giving the country nights like this.
“It is crazy to see all the pictures from Norway and all the support, the engagement and the celebration,” he said.
“We have dreamed of days like this since we were very small. We have seen pictures from when Norway beat Brazil and heard stories about it, and now we are writing our own history.”
Norway famously beat Brazil at the 1998 World Cup, and Odegaard was asked about the prospect of facing them again on this stage.
Odegaard made it clear just how big this fixture is.
“We meet Brazil, so it doesn’t get much bigger than that in international football,” Odegaard said.
“It is as big as it can be. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to play a game like that.
“As I said, we grew up hearing the story about Norway-Brazil and everything that happened there. Now we get our opportunity, so we are looking forward to it and we will prepare well. We will see if we can repeat the success of the old heroes.”
There is also an Arsenal subplot to this tie.
Gabriel and Martinelli have both been part of Brazil’s World Cup squad, and Odegaard was asked about the possibility of facing his club teammates, as well as the wider quality in Brazil’s side.
“I expect a tough game,” he said.
“They have a really good team, a lot of good players. It is going to be a tough, tough test for us.
“I know a few of them from Arsenal, top players, and I’m looking forward to seeing them. Hopefully we can give them a good fight.”
Odegaard was not willing to get carried away when asked whether Norway could now start thinking about winning the World Cup.
Instead, he insisted the focus should be on enjoying the win over Ivory Coast before turning attention to Brazil.
“What we’re going to think about now is to enjoy the win today,” he said.
“Be really happy and proud of ourselves. An amazing achievement to go through to the next round.
“Then it’s time to prepare for Brazil, which is going to be a tough game, but in football everything is possible. Hopefully we can keep dreaming, keep believing and keep performing like we do.”
Odegaard has guided Norway into a showdown with one of the tournament favourites, while Gabriel and Martinelli will aim to keep Brazil on track. Norway have already made history, but now their captain gets the chance to measure it against some familiar faces.
