Norway’s Viking Row lights up New York after Haaland’s double

Norway’s 2-1 win over Brazil in New Jersey was celebrated with the Viking Row, A-ha’s ‘Take On Me’ and Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York’. Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The victory was marked by the team’s signature Viking Row celebration on the pitch and spontaneous singing in the stands. Team-mates and supporters synchronised their arms in the Viking Row, moving in unison to the rhythm of Haaland’s drumming. The celebration was followed by A-ha’s ‘Take On Me’ and the Norwegian anthem ‘Alt for Norge’, with thousands of fans joining in. Bondscoach Egil Solbakken addressed the media after the win, saying: „Natuurlijk zijn we trots. We zijn zelfs ongelooflijk trots.” The press conference took place in the MetLife Stadium press hall, where the World Cup final will be held on 19 July. Haaland’s first goal came in the 79th minute, a header from Andreas Schjelderup’s cross. The second, in the 85th, was a low shot into the far corner, leaving Neymar stranded. Neymar pulled one back from the spot but Norway held on to secure the quarter-final place.

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Norway’s victory contrasted with the Netherlands’ exit in the Round of 16 and Scotland’s group-stage elimination. The team has progressed with more than just Haaland’s goals; Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard orchestrates play, supported by top-level players across the pitch. Orjan Nyland made a crucial save before half-time, denying Bruno Guimarães from the penalty spot. The goalkeeper’s intervention preserved Norway’s lead in a game where Brazil dominated possession. Haaland’s performance was physical and direct, standing out among lighter, more technical players. He won aerial duels repeatedly, using his strength to dominate despite limited early involvement.

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The Norwegian party extended beyond the pitch. Haaland wore a cowboy outfit in Dallas, shared Snapchat photos with filters and joked with an American who mistook him for a Norwegian footballer. Solbakken’s buoyant demeanour mirrored the team’s spirit. He grinned while speaking to the international media, describing the atmosphere as a tour with a large group of friends. Norway will face the winner of Mexico vs England in the quarter-final in Miami on Saturday. The team, once considered an underdog, now stands on the brink of a semi-final place.