SOCCER: Norway shirts in short supply at home ahead of World Cup clash with Brazil

VANCOUVER — Sitting beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino as Norway defeated Ivory Coast at the World Cup on Tuesday, Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness drew attention not only for the result on the pitch but also for her attire — the team’s red home jersey, one of the most in-demand items of the tournament.

Klaveness wore the shirt under her blazer while watching Erling Haaland score a late winner that sent Norway into the Round of 16, where they are set to face Brazil on Sunday. However, despite the national team’s success on the field, fans back home are struggling to get their hands on the popular kit due to ongoing supply and delivery issues.

“There has been such great demand for kits, and I think we have all felt that,” Klaveness said after the match. “Whether the issue is unexpected demand or production constraints, we will have to look into it.”

Norwegian broadcaster TV2 reported that stores fortunate enough to receive shipments of the jerseys have been overwhelmed, with long queues forming and shelves emptied within minutes as supporters rush to show their backing for the team’s first men’s World Cup appearance since 1998.

“It’s a completely crazy demand — it’s the most intense I’ve ever seen, and it’s fantastic,” Oslo sports store manager Anders Lilleberg told TV2.

“It’s unfortunate that we can’t provide a Norway shirt for everyone who wants one. As a retailer, we want to offer as many football products as possible, but we can only sell what we have in stock.”

Norway have worn their red home kit against Iraq and France at the tournament, a white kit against Ivory Coast, and a black jersey against Senegal.

With star striker Haaland leading the attack, demand for Norway merchandise has also surged internationally.

“It’s a luxury problem, but it is still a problem we need to solve,” Klaveness said. -Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters