Russian commentator and TV presenter Konstantin Genich criticized Norway coach Ståle Solbakken for fielding a second-string squad for the World Cup match against France , Match TV reports .
“Norway made 10 changes to their lineup. Each team has its own strategy. The coach probably knows what he’s doing. I don’t approve. But that’s the coach’s choice. We’ll see how they play in the round of 32,” Genich said.
Norway lost 4-1 to France and finished second in their group. They will now face Ivory Coast in the Round of 32 of the World Cup. The game will take place on June 30, with kickoff at 8:00 PM Moscow time.
The FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 11 and will run until July 19 in the United States , Mexico , and Canada . The reigning champions are Argentina , which defeated France in the 2022 final.
Earlier, Andrei Arshavin criticized Norway for their rotation in the match against France.