A 9-year-old Norway supporter named Ezra was overcome with emotion during his first World Cup match, a 3-2 victory for his favorite team against Senegal held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Despite a bit of rain, Ezra and his mother, Leslie VanDerau, attended the June 22 game. Upon arriving at their seats, Ezra began to cry, exclaiming, "It's so beautiful." He added, "This is such a big deal."
Their seats provided a clear view of most of the stadium, situated in a corner near a goal. VanDerau described the moment as "incredibly emotional" for her as Ezra's mother. He repeatedly thanked her for choosing him as her companion for the event, a sentiment she reciprocated, stating there was never anyone else she would have chosen.
Ezra was dressed in a soccer-themed shirt and wore a Norway bandana, cheering enthusiastically with a flag. Norway's win was largely secured by Erling Haaland's two goals in the second half. These goals brought Haaland's tournament total to four, making him the second player in the last 50 years to score at least two goals in each of his first two World Cup games, a feat previously accomplished by Harry Kane in 2018. Haaland now has 24 goals in his last 12 international appearances and is close behind Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot Race.
This marks Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998, and the team has now clinched a spot in the knockout round. Their next match is scheduled against France on Friday. Ezra is expected to follow his team's progress closely, with his mother noting he will be "glued to the TV cheering them on."