Long before kick-off, thousands of Norwegian fans gathered outside the stadium, many wearing Viking helmets, waving giant red flags and singing songs that have become familiar at this World Cup.
Of course, there was excitement, but there was also something else – faith. Quiet confidence that this team can compete with anyone.
For years, Norway has watched major tournaments from afar, despite producing world-class talent.
This is only their fourth appearance at the World Cup – their first since 1998. And the furthest they’ve come so far this year is two round of 16 finals, 50 years apart, in 1938 and 1998.
They had not won a World Cup playoff until last Tuesday. They have now won two in a row – the latest against five-time winners and the tournament’s most decorated team.
“I told the boys I don’t think it’s 50-50, but we have a good chance if we play our best and win games, and we did,” Norway coach Solbakken said.
On a full-time basis, it was Haaland who led the celebrations, pounding the drums as he and his teammates performed the iconic Viking Row song with their fans.
“It’s just a crazy day,” Haaland said. “This is one of the craziest days in Norwegian history.”
Warnock said: “He is very emotional and rightly so. He plays in one of the best teams in world football in terms of clubs.”
“But when you play for Norway, it’s not such a big name. Norway is starting to make its own history, and he is at the forefront of it.”
Solbakken said: “The whole nation is rowing together and I mean we’re having a great party here in Oslo and all the other big and small cities all over Norway.
“Rowing in a way is a symbol of us all being in this together. So I think these are great days, this is a great summer to be a fan. I think it’s better to be a fan than a coach.”
Rowing took over the World Cup. And now Rooney will have to sail along the Mersey River.external after promising that he would do so if Norway reached the quarter-finals.