France Leads Norway on Goal Difference Ahead of Friday Match at Boston Stadium

France and Norway meet Friday at Boston Stadium in Foxborough with first place in Group I at stake. France leads the group on goal difference after wins over Senegal and Iraq. Norway sits second after a 2-1 victory over Senegal on Monday.

A draw would secure the group title for France and a favorable knockout matchup. Norway needs a win to finish top and avoid a tougher path that could include Ivory Coast or Brazil. Both sides have already advanced to the round of 32.

Erling Haaland scored twice for Norway against Senegal, bringing his international tally to 59 goals in 52 appearances. After the match he told Fox Sports he was not focused on the France fixture. “I honestly don’t care too much.

We’re through, we managed to get through, which is incredible,” Haaland said. ” Norway have scored more goals than France across the two group games but have also conceded three times. The French Football Federation said head coach Didier Deschamps returned home for a funeral.

“At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone’s support,” the federation stated. Assistant coach Guy Stephan will lead the side. Both teams are likely to make changes after playing Monday and facing another match on Friday.

Norway could start Marcus Pedersen at right back and Kristian Thorstvedt in midfield. France may rest some central midfielders and start Theo Hernandez at left back. The sides have met 15 times in history, with France holding a 7-4-4 edge, though they have never faced each other at a World Cup finals.