Norwegian media raise Martin Odegaard concern after Arsenal man’s World Cup display vs Iraq

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Norway started their first World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Iraq; however, Arsenal star Martin Odegaard struggled in Massachusetts.

Erling Haaland continued his fine goal-scoring form into the World Cup as the Manchester City striker netted a brace for his country.

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Odegaard managed an assist during the 3-1 win, but the Arsenal captain ended up struggling in the heat as Norway just about got over the line.

Following the win in the United States, Norwegian media have been assessing their players’ individual performances and have not been too kind to Odegaard.

Martin Odegaard struggles vs Iraq

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard struggled on his World Cup debut against Iraq, despite Norway winning 3-1 at Gillette Stadium.

Odegaard is coming off a tricky season on an individual level, but having also become the first Arsenal captain in 22 years to lift the Premier League trophy.

Injuries played their part in a tough campaign for the 27-year-old, and he looked off the pace in Norway’s first group stage match.

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He did manage to provide an assist from a corner for Leo Ostigard, but won just three of his seven duels, and he had just one shot, which was off target.

The Norwegian media were quite underwhelmed by his display and felt as though the Arsenal star looked off the pace in Massachusetts.

• NRK gave him a 5/10: “Looked impressive in the first half, but hit 20 of 20 passes. Weak shot wide after 35 minutes. Didn’t catch the run to the Iraq player on the 1-0 goal. Could have been dangerous. Played up in the second half. Nice combination with Ryerson after 55 minutes. Served a fantastic corner kick on the forehead of Ostigard. Substituted soon after.”
• Dagbladet rated his display 4/10: “Very anonymous in the first half. Saved himself a bit when he provided an assist to Ostigard on a corner. Not the usual Odegaard, this.”

Norway and Odegaard will be really tested in their next two World Cup matches as they face Senegal next Tuesday and then France on June 26.