Coach's kiss goes viral after Norway's World Cup qualification

The emotional embrace between Norway's national football team coach Ståle Solbakken and his wife Anniken has captured global attention following the team's World Cup qualification. A viral video shows Solbakken rushing to the stands to share a passionate kiss with his wife shortly after the match, an act he described as "pure love."

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It is pure love, Solbakken said after the World Cup advancement – and grinned broadly.

The heartwarming moment has been widely shared on social media, with many calling it one of the most beautiful scenes of the tournament so far. Anniken Solbakken mentioned that the adrenaline from the victory kept her awake, while Ståle Solbakken noted that his primary focus after the game was on his daughter's exam, not the widely publicized kiss.

This display of affection comes after a significant career highlight for Solbakken and the Norwegian team. The couple, married for 27 years, has navigated both triumphs and setbacks together since Solbakken entered professional football in the 1990s. Their relationship began when Solbakken attended teacher's college in Hamar, where he met Anniken's sister.

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I just saw that she was there just before the match started. Everyone from Grue and Hamar stood together there. I had given them the tickets, but I didn't know where they were.

The victory over Senegal secured Norway's advancement in the World Cup, leading to widespread celebrations among players and fans. Several players, including Erling Braut Haaland and Alexander Sørloth, were also seen embracing their loved ones on the stands after the crucial win. The team's collective joy was palpable as they celebrated with the Norwegian supporters.

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I was completely finished. The last ten minutes were the ten longest minutes of my life, I think.