Dan James Braced for Norway Backlash as Wales Seek Crucial Oslo Victory

Wales winger Dan James expects a fierce response from Norway in their upcoming Nations League encounter this Saturday. After Wales secured a vital win in Cardiff last month, James believes Erling Haaland’s side will be motivated by a desire for revenge when they meet again at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.

The Leeds United attacker was a key figure in the previous 2-1 victory, scoring a goal that helped Craig Bellamy’s side overcome a difficult start to their campaign. That result ended a six-match winless streak and silenced critics who had written off the team following losses to Portugal and Denmark.

"They're a very hard team to beat and I think... they'll be even more up for this game."

Dan James

High Stakes in Oslo

Norway enters the match during their most challenging period in a decade. According to media reports, the Norwegian press has been highly critical of the team after three consecutive defeats. The slump included a home loss to Portugal, a match famous for Cristiano Ronaldo being left on the bench before his subsequent international retirement. Only veteran goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth remain from the last time Norway faced such a poor run of form in 2016.

For Wales, the motivation is equally high. A victory in Oslo would almost guarantee third place in the group and secure a Pot 1 seeding for the Euro 2028 qualifiers. As co-hosts of that tournament, Wales is determined to maintain their status among the European elite.

"As a team, we lost our identity a little bit... but I think we showed our reaction and people saw."

Dan James

James, who is set to earn his 69th cap, emphasized that the squad remains focused on their own performance. While a play-off might still be required to stay in League A, the confidence gained from beating Norway previously has revitalized Bellamy’s squad ahead of their final fixtures against the Norwegians and Portugal.