Can Scotland learn from history-making Norway?
Summary
Norway has made significant improvements in football by investing in coaching, facilities, and youth development, helping them reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in decades. Scotland, with a similar population, has struggled to qualify and recently decided to close its football performance schools.Key Facts
- Norway beat Brazil 2-0 in the World Cup round of 16, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in 28 years.
- Erling Haaland, a top striker for Manchester City, scored two goals against Brazil and leads Norway’s attack.
- Norway invested heavily in football development, including building or renovating over 1,100 artificial pitches between 2016 and 2025.
- Norway created a National Team School in 2013 to train young players and guide them to the national team.
- Many Norwegian players, including Haaland and Martin Odegaard, trained at the National Team School and play in top European leagues.
- Scotland has a similar population size but failed to reach the World Cup group stage and closed its performance schools in 2023.
- Former England striker Ian Wright criticized Scotland’s football setup and called for a stronger plan to improve.
- Norway’s domestic football investments and youth development are seen as key reasons for their recent success.
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