Erling Haaland has been the catalyst for Norway's historic World Cup quarter-final appearance, scoring seven goals in four games and establishing himself as a formidable opponent.
Norway's journey to this stage marks only their fourth World Cup appearance and their first since 1998. Previously, their furthest progress in the tournament was reaching the last 16, a feat achieved twice, 50 years apart, in 1938 and 1998. The team secured their first-ever World Cup knockout tie victory last Tuesday, and followed it with another win against a five-time World Cup champion.
"I said to the boys that I don't think it's 50-50, but we have a fair chance if we play at our best and have match-winners, and we had that," said Norway boss Ståle Solbakken following their latest triumph. "The whole nation is rowing together, and with that, I mean that we are having a great party here and in Oslo and in all the other big and small cities all the way through Norway. The rowing is in a way a symbol of that, and that we are all together."
At the conclusion of the match, Haaland led the team's celebrations, drumming along as he and his teammates performed the "Viking Row" with their supporters. "This is just an insane day," Haaland commented. "It is one of the most insane days in Norwegian history."
Former player Warnock noted the significance of Haaland's role, stating, "He plays in one of the best teams in world football, in terms of clubs. But when you play for Norway they're not a huge name. Norway are starting to make history for themselves, and he is at the forefront of that."
Thousands of Norway supporters had gathered outside the stadium before the match, many adorned with Viking helmets and waving large red flags, singing songs that have become a familiar sound throughout the tournament. The atmosphere was described as one of excitement and quiet confidence, a belief that the team could compete with any opponent.
The "Viking Row" celebration has become a signature of this World Cup for Norway. The team's progression to the quarter-finals has also made a personal wager by Wayne Rooney, who promised to row down the River Mersey if Norway reached this stage, a point of interest.