FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Globetrotting midfielder Erik Mykland used to have to sell shoes and wash cars to supplement his meagre footballing income.

In his days as a young player with first Risor and then Bryne, Mykland had no inkling he would one day be regarded as one of the most influential midfielders in the World Cup.

Nowadays his skills are widely recognised. Brazilian coach Mario Zagallo says Mykland is one of the most talented players at France 98, offering the ultimate compliment: “He plays like a South American.” But Mykland’s quick and clever style of play was not something he consciously worked on. “I’m a small guy,” said the former Utrecht and Linz star, who now plays his trade in Greece for Panathinaikos. “That means you learn to play to your strengths.”

Mykland stands just 1.72m tall, making him one of the shortest players on a powerful Norwegian squad.

“When you are small like me you cannot be physical,”  Mykland said. “You play with technique. Also, I have had to adapt to different styles of play. That means I need to use my head.” 

Like many of his teammates, Mykland believes the Norwegians must beat Morocco on Wednesday night in Montpellier and then also defeat Scotland if they are to advance from Group A.

“Against Brazil we are going to lose for sure,” he said. “They are the best team in the world. OK, we beat them 4-2 in Oslo last year but that was in cold weather, on a bumpy pitch when everyone on the Norwegian side played the game of their life. “ We simply have to get the points before we play Brazil and that will not be easy. Scotland, for instance, know many of our players and that might make it harder for us.” 

The bearded Mykland, a veteran of 54 internationals, is one of 11 survivors from the Norway team that was eliminated from the first round of the World Cup in the United States four years ago. “That experience will be a help,” he said. “Also, most of us play for big clubs and are used to being under pressure every week.” Mykland remembers Norway being criticised for their lack of flair four years ago, and believes the same may happen in France. “We are a little bit sensitive about it and it will probably happen again, but we can’t afford to think about it while we are on the field,” he said.

“Like every team we have to use the tactics that suit us best. I personally believe variety is the key. Not only using long balls.” Norway’s victories over fellow qualifiers Saudi Arabia, Denmark and Mexico in warm-up matches mean little, according to the quick and clever midfielder.

“People’s expectations may be high at home, but we haven’t really been tested,” he said. The test is about to begin.