Norway erupted in celebration following their remarkable 2-1 triumph over Brazil on Sunday. At the royal palace in Oslo, Crown Prince Haakon joined a throng of thousands who gathered on the ground to participate in the national football team’s signature row, marking the best performance by Norway in a World Cup. They are set to face England in the quarter-finals this Saturday.
In the capital, over 100,000 supporters flooded the streets, while many others celebrated across various towns and cities nationwide. One spirited fan, adorned in Norwegian colors, was spotted crowd-surfing in an inflatable boat.
Erling Haaland, Norway’s star player who netted both goals against Brazil at the New York New Jersey Stadium, perfectly captured the nation’s mood. “Yes, maybe in Norwegian history.” he declared to NRK. “We must cultivate the same pride in playing for Norway,” The Manchester City forward expressed his desire for Norway to emulate Brazil’s pride in football. “It was Erling who said it last time, that Norway has changed for ever. Now there will be another week of partying,” Haaland added, encouraging young aspiring players to aspire to represent their national team.
Ståle Solbakken, head coach of the national team, voiced his concerns regarding the health of Norwegians amidst the festivities. “Then there will be a Saturday game. So I fear for people’s health.” he mentioned to NRK. “It doesn’t get any better than this,”
The excitement surrounding football and Haaland will serve as a delightful diversion for both the Norwegian government and the royal family, especially following recent controversies involving Crown Princess Mette Marit, who underwent a lung transplant, and allegations linking diplomats with the late Jeffrey Epstein, along with Marit’s son Marius Borg Høiby’s recent rape conviction.
Karl-Petter Løken, the secretary general of the Norwegian football association, expressed his joy. “It is incredible for all of Norway and for everyone who loves Norwegian football.” he remarked. “There are matches, there are wins – and there are also monuments.”
The team’s outstanding performance has garnered admiration, even from neighboring rival Sweden, whose team was eliminated by France last week. A commentator in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet summarized the sentiment by stating, “raised a new Norwegian national monument” He concluded that the team had “raised a new Norwegian national monument.”
