Renedy SinghNorway’s return to the grandest stage in football, the FIFA World Cup, is not just because of a golden generation that includes stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. It shows what a country can achieve if it supports young footballers and has a clear pathway from a young age.I was in Norway on trials in 2011, trying to break into Tromso IL, a top division team. I remember they were placed second at the time, behind Molde, managed by Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjær. For five months, I tried to impress the coach and fulfil my dream of playing abroad. But at 32, it was never going to be easy. I could not make it since only three foreign players were allowed.The time I spent in Norway taught me a lot about life and football.Norway had made it to consecutive World Cups in 1994 and 1998, without much success, winning only one game at each of the two editions. Then, there was huge slump as Norway struggled to catch up with the rest of Europe. During my time there, I could see a different approach as the country made big investments in infrastructure, largely building artificial pitches, developing coaches, and laying out a clear pathway for young footballers.Norway does not have a league that is talked about like the Big Five. The quality is not exceptional but good. It’s where many foreign players make their first stop, before moving to bigger leagues in Europe. Work permit is an issue if you want to play in the Premier League, so stops elsewhere in Europe help. John Obi Mikel, who started in Norway, is a prime example.As a country, Norway is very organised, highly developed, and among the richest. It’s focus on social welfare, healthcare, and educational infrastructure gives them an edge. Everyone feels secure at a young age. After qualification to the knockouts, Haaland’s interview where he said he “couldn’t care too much” about the concluding group-stage game against France reflects this mindset.There is no pressure, no massive expectations, and superstars can enjoy themselves, even if at the World Cup.At lower ages, children are encouraged to take to sports. The idea is to make everyone fall in love with the sport, not necessarily turn them into champions. Too much competition at a young age kills the joy of sport. Strong govt support means any kid who cannot make it big in sports has something to fall back upon. That security is priceless.Norway are back at the World Cup after 26 years, thanks to a faultless qualification campaign where they won all eight matches. Now they are up against Ivory Coast in the knockouts. Regardless of the stage, Haaland and Co. will approach this one without any pressure. That makes them dangerous.(The former India captain spoke with Marcus Mergulhao)
