Norway had a proud football history before the World War II, playing in the 1934 World Cup and the 1936 Olympics, winning the bronze medal. Norway had early on good tradition in football and had build on the natural talent of people in this country, having the physique, technical ability and also easily adapting to the play, being obsessed with sports both summer and winter. Norway have proud traditons in summer events such as rowing, canooting, sailing and shooting. Winter sports are traditional and Norway are seen as the best nation in the World.
The football tradition and interest is close to fanatism. The domestic league is very popular and teams are represented from all over the country. The professional game of football came late to this nation, having a proud tradition of amateur sports. This was also the case for football, but players were paid anyway, sorting out different types of jobs and being able to train as much as needed, but far from doing it properly and being able to compete with proffesional clubs abroad. Facilities and traditions of turning to winter sports when snow was falling, made a huge impact in those early days, but in some way this was not the case when being able to compete with the very best in the 1930’s.
After the World War II, a number of players moved abroad to play, but it was very risky. If you signed a one year deal with a professional club, you would be stuck, since a ban would appear, and a quarantee to get back your amateur license. A number of Norwegian players never moved as they were affraid of the consequences.
When you decide to make assumptions about development in football, you should never miss the history and why the World Cup participation at the time became just a far away thought, not being able to compete.
Continue reading “Norway and Their Destroyable World Cup Memories”
