National team coach Viktor Halden says captain Daniel Moreau is fit to lead the side in Friday’s home qualifier in Riverton, and that 21-year-old goalkeeper Tobias Lind will start both of the team’s games this month.
Speaking at a packed press conference at the national training center on Monday, Halden confirmed a 24-man squad, ruled out two injured defenders and told his players to “treat both games like finals.”
Injuries and the keeper question
The biggest relief is Moreau. The Riverton United midfielder missed his club’s last two league games with a calf problem but has trained fully since Saturday.
Less fortunate are center-back Luka Brennan and left-back Ole Haugen, both out with hamstring injuries. Halden has called up Northvale City’s Amir Kessler, uncapped at 23, as cover.
Daniel is ready, he has done every session with us. With Luka and Ole we cannot take risks; their clubs need them for months, and so do we.
Viktor Halden, national team coach
The most discussed decision was in goal. Lind has played only nine games for Port Alden FC this season, but Halden left no doubt that he is the new number one. Experienced keeper Marek Novak, who has 58 caps, stays in the squad as backup.
He is young, but he is calm and he plays well with his feet. I would rather give him the shirt now than wait for a perfect moment that never comes.
Viktor Halden, national team coach
The opponents
On Friday, the team faces the group leaders, who have won all four of their games so far. Halden called them “the best organized side in the group” but said his team could hurt them on the counterattack.
Four days later, the squad travels to a neighboring country for a game that could decide second place. The national team is currently third, two points behind.
Asked whether his job depended on the results, Halden smiled. “That is a question for others. My job is to make sure we are prepared, and we are.”
What happens next
The squad trains in Riverton until Thursday, with one session open to fans on Wednesday evening. The football association said fewer than 2,000 tickets remain for Friday’s game.
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Comments 3
Brave call on Lind. I’ve watched him all season at Port Alden FC and he deserves it.
Finally a coach who says clearly who plays. See you in Riverton on Friday!
Without Brennan the defense worries me against the group leaders.