Part 7/9:
Athletic culture plays a significant role in shaping the national team’s identity. Over recent years, a shift to artificial pitches has redefined training practices in Norway, focusing heavily on technical skills at the expense of physicality in defense. This has arguably led to a deficiency in robust defenders – a contributing factor to Norway's defensive struggles.
The Norwegian sporting mentality also plays a part in how superstars are perceived. The societal attitudes often dampen enthusiasm for individual brilliance, as seen with Haaland’s mixed reception despite his remarkable track record. This disconnect between the public and their footballing icons reflects a cultural hesitance towards celebrating personal success.