Norway erupted in celebration following their groundbreaking 2-1 victory over Brazil on Sunday. In a display of national pride, Crown Prince Haakon joined thousands of supporters gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo, sitting among them during the football team’s jubilant row after achieving their best World Cup performance. The team is set to face England in the quarter-finals this Saturday.
Estimates suggest that over 100,000 fans flooded the streets of Oslo, with many others participating in festivities across various towns and cities. One enthusiastic supporter, adorned in Norwegian colors, was spotted crowd-surfing on an inflatable boat.
Erling Haaland, Norway’s standout player who netted both goals against Brazil at the New York-New Jersey Stadium, expressed the collective excitement.
“Yes, maybe in Norwegian history.”
he told broadcaster NRK. “We must cultivate the same pride in playing for Norway,”
“It was Erling who said it last time, that Norway has changed for ever. Now there will be another week of partying,”
Haaland remarked, adding that he hopes all young players in Norway will aspire to don the national jersey.
The Manchester City forward shared his aspiration for the future, emphasizing the need for the nation to adopt Brazil’s pride in representing the country.
Ståle Solbakken, head coach of the national team, voiced his concerns for the well-being of Norwegians amidst the ongoing celebrations.
“Then there will be a Saturday game. So I fear for people’s health.”
he stated during his interview with NRK. “It doesn’t get any better than this,”
The widespread enthusiasm surrounding football and Haaland will serve as a welcome diversion for both the Norwegian government and the royal family, who have recently faced scrutiny over Crown Princess Mette Marit’s lung transplant and connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, has been embroiled in controversy due to his recent rape conviction.
Expressing his elation, Karl-Petter Løken, secretary general of the Norwegian Football Association, stated,
“It is incredible for all of Norway and for everyone who loves Norwegian football.”
The Norwegian team’s remarkable performance has garnered respect from neighboring rival Sweden, especially after Sweden’s exit against France last week. A commentator in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet noted,
“There are matches, there are wins – and there are also monuments.”
He added that the team had “raised a new Norwegian national monument”
