Oslo: Norway national team manager Stale Solbakken said no one can ignore that this match is special for reasons beyond football. Solbakken held a press conference ahead of Sunday's Group I game against Israel in the FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers, addressing the unique atmosphere surrounding the match and his expectations for a fair and peaceful game.

According to Anadolu Agency, Solbakken emphasized the significance of the match, stating, "You can't ignore the fact that this match is special for reasons other than sports. But my players handled it well, and I hope everything goes peacefully during the match." The 57-year-old head coach acknowledged the distractions public debate in football can cause, but expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform under such circumstances. He also mentioned the role of football federation leaders in managing the political aspects.

When questioned about whether the ceasefire agreement brought relief, Solbakken expressed hope for a positive outcome for all involved, emphasizing the broader significance of the situation beyond football.

Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth also spoke at the press conference, highlighting the importance of the match and the awareness among people regarding the situation and its impact. He stressed the need for the team to focus on their performance, stating, "I think it's best for us to focus on the match. Yes, we are professionals, and we will do our job."

Sorloth also addressed concerns about the absence of Martin Odegaard due to injury, acknowledging Odegaard's importance to the team but expressing confidence in their ability to perform well with the other talented players available.