Norway Celebrates Historic World Cup Victory Over Brazil, Prepares for England Quarter-Final

Incredible scenes played out across Norway after their history-making 2-1 victory over Brazil on Sunday. Outside the royal palace in Oslo, Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon joined a sea of thousands of fans seated on the ground for the football team’s trademark row after the national team secured their best placing at a World Cup. They will meet England in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Over 100,000 fans are estimated to have hit the streets of the capital, while thousands of others took part in jubilant celebrations in towns and cities across the country. One fan dressed in Norwegian colours was seen crowdsurfing in an inflatable boat.

Norway’s star man, Erling Haaland, who scored both goals against Brazil in the contest at New York New Jersey Stadium, summed up the national sentiment. “It’s the sickest night,” he told broadcaster NRK. “Yes, maybe in Norwegian history.” The Manchester City striker also outlined his hope that his country will learn from Brazil. “We must cultivate the same pride in playing for Norway,” Haaland said, adding that he wants all young children who start playing the sport in Norway to want to play for their national team.

Ståle Solbakken, the national team head coach, said he is concerned for the state of Norwegians’ health amid all the celebrating. “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.”

Widespread football and Haaland mania will also be a welcome distraction for both the Norwegian government and the royal family after being engulfed in headlines over the crown princess Mette Marit, who recently had a lung transplant, and diplomats’ alleged relations with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, not to mention Marit’s son Marius Borg Høiby’s recent rape conviction.

Karl-Petter Løken, secretary general of the Norwegian football association, was ecstatic. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” he said. “It is incredible for all of Norway and for everyone who loves Norwegian football.”

The team’s performance has gained admiration – and even support – from neighbouring rivals Sweden after their team went out to France last week. Writing in Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, one commentator said: “There are matches, there are wins – and there are also monuments.” The team, he added, had “raised a new Norwegian national monument”.