Norway's Crown Prince Haakon joined thousands of fans outside the royal palace in Oslo on Sunday to celebrate the national football team's historic 2-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup last-16. The win marks Norway's best-ever placement in the tournament, and the crowd engaged in the team's trademark rowing celebration.
Massive Celebrations Across Norway
An estimated 100,000 fans took to the streets of Oslo, with thousands more celebrating in towns and cities across the country. One fan, dressed in Norwegian colors, was seen crowdsurfing in an inflatable boat. The victory sets up a quarter-final clash against England on Saturday.
Haaland's Heroics
Erling Haaland, who scored both goals against Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium, described the night as "the sickest night" and "maybe in Norwegian history" in an interview with broadcaster NRK. The Manchester City striker expressed hope that Norway would learn from Brazil's pride in representing their country. "We must cultivate the same pride in playing for Norway," Haaland said, adding that he wants all young Norwegian players to aspire to play for the national team.
Concerns for Health and Distractions
National team head coach Ståle Solbakken expressed concern for Norwegians' health amid the celebrations. "It was Erling who said it last time, that Norway has changed forever. Now there will be another week of partying," he told NRK. "Then there will be a Saturday game. So I fear for people's health."
The widespread football mania provides a welcome distraction for the Norwegian government and royal family, who have been embroiled in headlines regarding Crown Princess Mette Marit's recent lung transplant, diplomats' alleged relations with Jeffrey Epstein, and Mette Marit's son Marius Borg Høiby's rape conviction.
Football Association Ecstatic
Karl-Petter Løken, secretary general of the Norwegian football association, said, "It doesn't get any better than this. It is incredible for all of Norway and for everyone who loves Norwegian football."
Norway's performance has even gained admiration from neighboring rival Sweden, whose team was eliminated by France last week. Writing in Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, a commentator noted, "There are matches, there are wins – and there are also monuments," adding that the team had "raised a new Norwegian national monument."
