Sorg: It doesn't really matter for tonight's encounter. Norway have often proven that they can cause bigger nations problems. They've won against Brazil several times for example. They like to over-perform against the bigger nations. In the 90's they were even in first place of the World rankings for a short time. They also played a good qualification for the European Championships in France, winning 2-0 against Croatia here in Oslo for example. We have to be prepared for them. I also know how enthusiastic Norwegians are and their interest in this sport is huge. We are expecting a sold out stadium with a great atmosphere.
DFB.de: What makes Norway so dangerous?
Sorg: They play a typical Scandinavian football. That means, that they play true to their system for the full 90 minutes with a good organisation in attack and defence. When in possession, we expect them to play with a 4-3-3 formation, while in defence they will play 4-1-4-1. They usually try to play out of a solid defence and look to counter attack.
DFB.de: Norway is very focussed on their structure, is that a chance for the DFB-Team?
Sorg: Yes. Simply said: There are teams who aim to play in an uncontrollable fashion, because that also causes the opponent to be confused. Norway is the opposite, as they stick to their system. This gives the team a sense of security, but we also know which areas we will have to occupy. At the same time, this demands more quality and precision in our game.
There’s just a few hours until kick-off. Germany face Norway in Oslo in their first World Cup qualifier. DFB.de spoke with assistant coach Marcus Sorg ahead of the game.
DFB.de: Mr. Sorg, what is the situation in the team? Are all players on board and fit for the start of qualifying?
Marcus Sorg: Yes. All players were on the pitch in our final training session yesterday. Julian Draxler has recovered from his viral infection and Shkodran Mustafi doesn't have any issues anymore following a knock to his ankle in the Finland game.
DFB.de: Bastian Schweinsteiger's farewell stood in the foreground during the Finland game. Tonight you are playing for three vital points. How focussed is the team?
Sorg: The team were also focussed against Finland. The players know what's at stake today, you can feel it. Our final training session yesterday was superb. We desperately want to take the three points back home.
DFB.de: How important is it, to start a qualifying campaign with a win?
Sorg: We aspire to lead the way in this qualifying campaign. We don't want to leave any doubt about which team will qualify for Russia from our group. A good start in qualifying is always important.
DFB.de: How do you rate Norway? Their recent results weren't very convincing?
Sorg: It doesn't really matter for tonight's encounter. Norway have often proven that they can cause bigger nations problems. They've won against Brazil several times for example. They like to over-perform against the bigger nations. In the 90's they were even in first place of the World rankings for a short time. They also played a good qualification for the European Championships in France, winning 2-0 against Croatia here in Oslo for example. We have to be prepared for them. I also know how enthusiastic Norwegians are and their interest in this sport is huge. We are expecting a sold out stadium with a great atmosphere.
DFB.de: What makes Norway so dangerous?
Sorg: They play a typical Scandinavian football. That means, that they play true to their system for the full 90 minutes with a good organisation in attack and defence. When in possession, we expect them to play with a 4-3-3 formation, while in defence they will play 4-1-4-1. They usually try to play out of a solid defence and look to counter attack.
DFB.de: Norway is very focussed on their structure, is that a chance for the DFB-Team?
Sorg: Yes. Simply said: There are teams who aim to play in an uncontrollable fashion, because that also causes the opponent to be confused. Norway is the opposite, as they stick to their system. This gives the team a sense of security, but we also know which areas we will have to occupy. At the same time, this demands more quality and precision in our game.
