The Norway national football team has relocated from The Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a complaint to FIFA. The move, completed in approximately 2,5 hours, places the team in a beachfront hotel near Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The coaching staff clarified that the issue was not the hotel's quality but its environment. Persistent noise from an adjacent construction site and a heavily congested road disrupted player rest. Additionally, the previous hotel lacked sufficient space for team meetings and communal activities.

Captain Martin Ødegaard emphasized the team's commitment: "We want to optimize all conditions to prepare for the most important match." Logistics manager Truls Dæhli revealed that the players themselves initiated the request to move. "Relocating was not easy, but everyone is content with the new accommodation," Dæhli stated. "Maintaining a positive atmosphere within the team is paramount right now."

Haaland plays drums as Norway players celebrate their victory over Brazil with a Viking row. Photo: AP

Dæhli noted that the team has been in the US for nearly 6 weeks and will remain in Miami for about one more week. The coaching staff aims to eliminate any factors that could impact player morale before what is considered the biggest match in Norwegian football history. "We do not want to take risks over issues that can be resolved," he explained. FIFA has agreed to cover accommodation and security costs at the new location, with the Norwegian Football Federation funding additional expenses stemming from the team's specific requests.

Coach Ståle Solbakken dismissed rumors of an internal illness outbreak, clarifying that only physiotherapist Thomas Ødegaard experienced a minor health issue. "The story was exaggerated," Solbakken stated. "The reason we moved hotels was the overall living conditions. We need space for the entire team to be together, to meet, and to prepare as a collective." Team doctor Ola Sand corroborated this, confirming all players are healthy after nearly six weeks of training. "All players are in good condition. There are no concerning health issues," Sand affirmed.

Norway recently secured a surprising 2-1 victory over Brazil, advancing them to the quarter-finals. Striker Erling Haaland, who scored both goals in that match, confirmed the team is fully focused on their next objective. In contrast, the England national team has opted for a different preparation strategy, granting players two days off with family and friends before rejoining the squad. England will fly to Miami one day before the match and conduct their final training session at Inter Miami's training center. The quarter-final match between England and Norway is scheduled for Sunday, 12/7, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

By Nhat Minh (Sources: The Sun, Yahoo, Nettavisen)