Norway unhappy after Scotland cancel behind-closed-doors friendly before World Cup | OneFootball

Norway have criticised Scotland’s late decision to cancel a behind-closed-doors World Cup warm-up that had been scheduled for Monday, with Stale Solbakken questioning the call and its timing.

The Scottish FA said in a statement that, after injuries in previous friendlies, a training match carried more risk than reward. It added the game was to be unpublicised and behind closed doors, and that officials were surprised when Norwegian media reported it.

The fixture would have been Norway’s final run-out before their opener on 17 June at midnight against Iraq. They are due to face France on 26 June at 21:00 in matchday three of Group I.

Solbakken called it unprofessional that Scotland’s head coach did not contact him directly, saying communication instead came via a team manager. He also expressed doubt that five or six injuries could have occurred in one session.

Norway’s team manager voiced frustration, describing months of planning and agreements and branding the late withdrawal a little cowardly.

John McGinn backed Scotland’s stance, pointing to the recent loss of Billy Gilmour to a right knee sprain before camp and the impact on the group. He said the squad did not want further setbacks and believed any country would act similarly.

Source: L'Équipe