Norway’s players joined their supporters in performing the now-famous Viking rowing celebration after securing a place in the World Cup knockout stage with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday.
Competing at their first World Cup since 1998, Norway moved into the round of 32 thanks largely to a brace from Erling Haaland, and the emotional scenes after the final whistle reflected the significance of the achievement for players and fans alike.
The Viking row, popularised by Norwegian supporters throughout the tournament, has become one of the defining images of the World Cup. Fans have performed the synchronized celebration in stadiums, on escalators and even in New York’s Times Square, but Monday’s version carried extra meaning.
Captain Martin Odegaard and Haaland gathered the squad in front of the travelling supporters to recreate the rowing motion, though the celebration was briefly delayed as coach Stale Solbakken sprinted into the stands to embrace his wife after the final whistle.
Once the coach returned, the players sat in formation resembling a Viking longboat, with Odegaard beating an imaginary drum as the squad rowed in unison to the delight of their supporters.
Television broadcasts also showed fans in Trondheim joining the celebration, highlighting how the tradition has united Norwegian supporters across the globe.
“At the start, I think people doubted a little bit — like, is this something that’s going to last or just something that’s going to die off?” midfielder Patrick Berg told reporters.
“But it’s been a massive part of our World Cup so far.
“They started doing it back home in Oslo before we left for the World Cup, and now I think the whole world is aware of it. I feel the energy that we create together with the fans is really important for us.”
Forward Alexander Sorloth admitted he had not anticipated how meaningful the celebration would become.
“It was incredibly fun,” Sorloth said.
“A lot more fun than I would have thought. When you hear the sound, it’s magical.”
Norway’s victory ensured progression to the knockout rounds with one group match remaining and continued an impressive campaign that has reignited enthusiasm around the national team.
Asked how far Norway could go in the tournament, Sorloth was optimistic.
“We’ll see, but if we reach our top level, it’s a tournament and everything can happen,” he said.
“If we reach our top level, we can go far.”
Norway sit second in Group I on six points, level with France but behind on goal difference. The two teams will meet on Friday to determine the group winners and potentially secure a more favourable path through the knockout rounds.
