Vibrant scenes unfolded throughout Norway following their groundbreaking 2-1 win over Brazil on Sunday. In Oslo, Crown Prince Haakon joined a throng of thousands gathered outside the royal palace, participating in the team’s signature celebration after securing their highest-ever placement in a World Cup. The national team is set to face England in the quarter-finals this Saturday.
It is estimated that over 100,000 supporters filled the streets of the capital, while many more engaged in festive activities in various towns and cities nationwide. One enthusiastic fan, adorned in Norwegian colors, was seen crowdsurfing in an inflatable boat.
Erling Haaland, the star player who netted both goals against Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium, captured the mood perfectly. “Yes, maybe in Norwegian history.” he remarked to broadcaster NRK, adding, “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 playing, stating, “It was Erling who said it last time, that Norway has changed for ever. Now there will be another week of partying,” while encouraging young athletes to aspire to represent their national team.
Ståle Solbakken, the head coach of the national team, voiced concerns about the potential impact of the celebrations on the health of Norwegians. “Then there will be a Saturday game. So I fear for people’s health.” he noted during an interview with NRK. “It doesn’t get any better than this,”
The widespread excitement surrounding football and the fervor for Haaland provides a welcome distraction for both the Norwegian government and the royal family, who have recently faced scrutiny due to Crown Princess Mette Marit’s lung transplant and controversies involving diplomats and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, alongside Marit’s son Marius Borg Høiby’s recent rape conviction.
Karl-Petter Løken, the secretary general of the Norwegian football association, expressed his delight. “It is incredible for all of Norway and for everyone who loves Norwegian football.” he said. “There are matches, there are wins – and there are also monuments.”
Norway’s performance has garnered admiration and even support from their nearby rivals, Sweden, after their national team was eliminated by France last week. A commentator in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet remarked, “raised a new Norwegian national monument” He further asserted that the Norwegian team had “raised a new Norwegian national monument.”
