SOCCER: Solbakken rows in behind Norway squad spirit after epic Brazil win

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Norway coach Ståle Solbakken praised his squad after an exhausting and tense 2-1 victory over Brazil on Sunday that sent them into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, where they will face either co-hosts Mexico or England.

Norway’s trademark “rowing” celebration has become a familiar sight during the tournament, but the team had to overcome a difficult challenge against Brazil, including a late penalty from Neymar deep into stoppage time that nearly forced extra time.

“This is a great group. They love being together, they train well, they help each other and protect each other,” Solbakken told reporters. “We have a strong culture and we give people the opportunity to be themselves and say whatever they want. That is a very important part of the whole thing, both when things go well and when they do not go so well.”

Erling Haaland scored both goals in a standout performance to eliminate Brazil, with Norway’s disciplined defending, selfless running across the pitch, and the strong goalkeeping of out-of-contract Ørjan Nyland proving decisive in securing one of the nation’s biggest victories in football.

After the final whistle, players and supporters performed their signature rowing celebration, echoing jubilant scenes at home as fans flooded streets across Norway to celebrate the landmark result.

“I think the whole nation is rowing together,” Solbakken said. “We are having a great party here and in Oslo and in all the other big and small cities all across Norway. The rowing is a symbol of that—we are all together. It’s great days, a great summer to be a fan. I think it’s better to be a fan than a coach,” he added with a smile.

Despite Brazil controlling much of the game in possession, Solbakken said Norway’s plan was to stay composed on the ball and manage spells of control, particularly in the afternoon heat.

“We just wanted to have as much possession of the ball as possible,” he said. “They are not always comfortable if we can have long spells with the ball. They have players who are strong in their positions, but maybe they do not like chasing the ball.”

With England preparing to face Mexico in the other quarterfinal, Solbakken said he had no preference over Norway’s next opponent.

“I have no preferences for who we are going to meet in the next game. If it is Mexico, it is Mexico. If it is England, it is England,” he said. “In many phases we played at our best today against a very good team. We had to be at our best. I said yesterday that if we were going to win, we needed to be close to our best—and I think we were.” -Reporting by Philip O'Connor, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters