Norway's preparations for their FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against England in Miami were disrupted this week when the team was forced to relocate hotels just days before Saturday's match, after players complained about excessive construction noise and hygiene issues at their original accommodation.

The squad had spent only a single night at The Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, a city just north of Miami in the US state of Florida, before deciding the conditions were unacceptable. Team logistics manager Truls Daehli described the move as "brutal" but said the relocation — completed in just two and a half hours with the help of the support staff — was ultimately the right call. "We are satisfied with the new place, and everyone is happy now," he said. FIFA responded quickly to the situation, facilitating the switch and reportedly agreeing to cover most of the relocation costs.

Captain Martin Odegaard framed the disruption as a matter of professional duty rather than complaint. "There were some things that could have been better, and we fixed them," he said. "Just to optimise and prepare ourselves as best as possible for an important match." Star striker Erling Haaland, whose two goals against Brazil last Sunday helped Norway secure a stunning 2-1 victory and a place in the quarterfinals, was equally direct: "It's the biggest match in our history, and we need to be at 100 percent."

The match carries particular personal significance for Haaland, who was born in the English city of Leeds in 2000 while his father, Alf-Inge, was playing for Leeds United. He moved to Norway at the age of three and has since become one of the world's most recognisable footballers with Manchester City — a club where many of his Saturday opponents are also teammates. "I play in England, I was born there, and now I play against many of my club teammates," he said. "It's going to be a special game."

Norway, who last appeared at a World Cup at France 1998 nearly three decades ago, are widely regarded as underdogs against an England side that defeated Mexico 3-2 to reach the last eight. Haaland appeared relaxed about that status. "I think you should put the pressure on the English players," he said with a smile. With the hotel chaos now behind them, Norway will be hoping the turbulence of the week only sharpens their focus ahead of what Daehli called "the biggest match in Norwegian history."