Ståle Solbakken described the occasion as “the greatest day in Norwegian football history” while Erling Haaland referred to it as one of “I think that all Norwegian citizens are experiencing the night of a lifetime,” One thing is clear: Norway has advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time following a well-deserved victory against Brazil.
Haaland’s late goals secured a 2-1 win, igniting celebrations across Norway. In the early hours, tens of thousands flooded the streets of Oslo, with fans gathering spontaneously at the royal palace, where Crown Prince Haakon welcomed them wearing a Norway scarf.
Solbakken shared his thoughts, stating, “I think that all Norwegian citizens are experiencing the night of a lifetime. They will probably party for a week or so. Erling was our match-winner, but I’m happy that everyone played their part on this historic night. Everyone contributed to the team’s success.
He added, “They will probably party for a week or so. Erling was our match-winner but I’m happy that everyone played their game on the greatest night in Norwegian football history. Everyone played their part. “This is a great group. They love being together, they train well, they help each other and protect each other. We have a strong culture and we have an opportunity to let people be themselves and say whatever they want. That’s very important both when things go well and when they don’t.”
Reflecting on the jubilant atmosphere, Haaland expressed, “I wish I was on those streets; I wish I was involved in it,”
A pivotal half-time substitution played a significant role in shifting the momentum of the match. Solbakken noted that changing his wingers was an instinctive choice aimed at enhancing possession in critical areas. “Everyone has to enjoy themselves. All of Norway has to enjoy themselves. It’s one of the sickest days ever in Norwegian history. You just have to enjoy it, because this is sick.” he explained.
Brazil’s Neymar managed to score a penalty deep into stoppage time, while Bruno Guimarães missed a first-half spot-kick when the score was still 0-0. Carlo Ancelotti, who took over as Brazil’s manager just over a year ago, now faces scrutiny following the tournament. Following the match, Neymar appeared to indicate his retirement from international play, stating, “You have to have faith in what you do,” while Ancelotti emphasized the need for integrating a new generation into the national team.
“You have to follow your gut feeling. It could go both ways. It was a chess game.” Ancelotti remarked. “I tried, I tried … Now it’s over,”
