Hours before kick-off, thousands of Norway supporters gathered outside the stadium—many in Viking helmets, waving huge red flags and singing the anthems that have defined their World Cup run. There was the usual buzz, but also something deeper: a calm belief that this team could stand toe to toe with anyone.
Despite producing world-class players, Norway have long watched major tournaments from home. This is only their fourth World Cup, and their first since 1998. Until this year, their best results were round-of-16 exits in 1938 and 1998. They had never won a World Cup knockout game before last Tuesday; now they’ve strung together two, the latest against the tournament’s most decorated, five-time champions.
Coach Ståle Solbakken told his players it wasn’t exactly a 50-50 matchup, but that they’d have a real chance if they hit their peak and someone delivered decisive moments—and that’s exactly what happened.
At full-time, Erling Haaland led the celebrations, pounding a drum as the team and fans performed the now-iconic Viking Row. He called it an unbelievable day, among the most extraordinary in Norway’s history.
Pundit Warnock noted that Haaland’s emotion was justified: he plays for one of the world’s top clubs, but Norway aren’t traditionally a football heavyweight. Now, the team is writing its own history, with Haaland at the forefront.
Solbakken added that the whole nation is “rowing together,” celebrating from Oslo to towns big and small—the rowing a symbol of unity. He even suggested it’s a better summer to be a fan than a coach.
The rowing craze has swept the World Cup. And after vowing he would if Norway reached the quarter-finals, Rooney now owes a row down the River Mersey.