SOCCER: Ecstatic Norway squad celebrate World Cup progress with Viking row

Norway’s players sat on the pitch and performed the “rowing” celebration made iconic by their fans after securing a nervy 3-2 win over Senegal, a result that sent them into the knockout stage of the tournament.

At their first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway’s red-clad supporters have been showcasing the Viking-inspired rowing celebration in stadiums, on escalators, and even in New York’s Times Square. The moment after Monday’s final whistle, however, marked its most emotional and jubilant expression yet.

Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland, who combined for a decisive impact in the match, gathered the squad to recreate the celebration in front of the fans. The moment was briefly delayed as head coach Ståle Solbakken sprinted up the stands after the final whistle to embrace his wife before joining the team.

Once assembled, the players arranged themselves in rows resembling a Viking longboat, with Solbakken squeezing into the middle behind Haaland. Ødegaard then led the rhythm, mimicking a drumbeat as the team swayed in unison, building the celebration to a joyful climax.

Broadcast footage showed Norwegian fans in Trondheim joining in from afar, highlighting how the celebration has united supporters across the world.

Forward Alexander Sørloth described the moment as unforgettable, saying it exceeded expectations. “It was incredibly fun,” he said with a smile. “A lot more fun than I would have thought. When you hear the sound, it’s magical.”

Looking ahead, Sørloth expressed confidence in Norway’s potential as they continue their campaign. “We’ll see, but if we reach our top level, it’s a tournament where anything can happen. If we reach our top level, we can go far,” he added.

Norway now sit second in Group I with six points, level on points with France but behind on goal difference, setting up a decisive final group match between the two sides on Friday. -Reporting by Philip O'Connor, additional reporting by Tommy Lund; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters