Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, 65, was invited by FIFA and Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness to watch his country's opening match against Iraq at the World Cup on 16/6 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
A day before the match, Prime Minister Store, wearing a Norwegian national team training shirt and shorts, jogged through the streets of Boston, answering questions from reporters as he ran. A team of bodyguards and US Secret Service agents followed closely behind.
“This is an interesting trip, not entirely for work, but because it allows me to experience a fascinating aspect of my responsibilities,” he told reporters.
Mr. Store, who took office as Prime Minister in 10/2021, emphasized the role of collective strength when assessing Norway's chances in Group I, where they will face Iraq, Senegal, and France in their first World Cup since 1998.
“We have always had good players. That's still true today, even some excellent players. But if they don't play with a collective spirit, even outstanding individuals can fail,” the Norwegian Prime Minister stated.
Norway currently boasts one of the biggest stars in world football, striker Erling Haaland, the most prominent player in coach Stale Solbakken's squad.
“He is the best striker in the world. No one can achieve that position by chance. It's extraordinary. He has become a superstar, on par with the most highly regarded players,” Mr. Store enthusiastically commented.
The Norwegian Prime Minister also revealed he would return home immediately after his team's opening match. “Individual players score goals, but the team wins the match,” the leader emphasized.
Huyen Le (According to Reuters)
