FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Norway’s hopes of success at the World Cup have been boosted by the English Premiership experience of half the national squad, striker Tore Andre Flo said Monday.

No fewer than 11 of Norway’s 22-man squad play for English clubs and Chelsea ace Flo believes that has been one of the keys to Norway’s 17-month unbeaten run as they get ready to face Morocco, Scotland and Brazil in Group A.

“There is no doubt that playing in England helps players prepare for events like the World Cup,” said Flo. “You get great experience playing in front of big crowds at a very high level. I’ve certainly become a much better player since joining Chelsea. You have to improve when you are surrounded by such good players. “ The towering target man, scorer of 12 goals in 25 full international apperances since making his debut in 1995, believes Norway’s attack-made up largely of English-based players-could prove the team’s trump card in France.

“We have not just myself as a threat,” he said. “We also have Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Egil Ostenstad and many other good players who can score goals. Norway are a team that also create a lot of chances-and that is great if you are a striker.” 

Flo, still improving at the age of 24, hopes his form at the World Cup will act as a nudge to Chelsea player-manager Gianluca Vialli, who has signed Italian Pierluigi Casiraghi and Dane Brian Laudrup for next season; transfers that put greater pressure on the Norwegian, who was not always a first-team starter this season.

“I’m trying not to think too much about that, but I do want to show just how good I can be and just how good Norway can be,” he said. Flo said there was relaxed and confident feel in the Norwegian camp ahead of Wednesday night’s opener against Morocco in Montpellier. “We feel as if we are very well prepared and I physically feel very good,” he said, adding there is no feeling of complacency in the team despite their recent superb form.

“Brazil are, of course the favourites to win the group, but we are very aware that Morocco could surprise us,” he said. I don’t know a lot about them. I don’t even know the names of their players, but we will be looking at the video a lot over the next two days to make sure we are prepared.”