Norwegians row like mad at World Cup, dividing opinions

Norway's "Viking Row" celebration, a synchronized rowing motion performed by fans and players, has become a viral sensation at the World Cup, sparking both adoration and criticism. The ritual, which involves participants mimicking rowing a Viking boat, has reached the knockout stages where Norway is set to face Brazil.

According to Visit Norway, the celebration pays homage to Norway's history as a Viking homeland, drawing on ancient rowing traditions linked to life on fjords and seas. The "Viking Row" involves fans sitting in rows, moving their arms in unison as if rowing, often accompanied by drumbeats or rhythmic chants. This unique display has been witnessed on sidewalks, in offices, schools, and even on Times Square in New York.

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The movement would create a wave on the stadium. I thought it would be fantastic.

Norwegian fan and schoolteacher Ole Frøystad is credited with inventing the "Viking Row." He introduced it during a test match against Switzerland in March, and it quickly became a fan favorite. The ritual is performed at any point during a match, with a drummer setting the rhythm and the crowd shouting "row" on alternate beats. Frøystad envisioned the movement creating a "wave" on the stadium, which he felt would be "fantastic."

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We just sigh when we see it. But maybe we sigh more at the TV teams that zoom in on it every single time.

Norwegian star players like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard have enthusiastically joined the "Viking Row" with fans, notably after their victory against Senegal. However, the tradition has not been universally embraced. Swedish World Cup players, for instance, have shown little enthusiasm. Defender Gustaf Lagerbielke remarked, "We just sigh when we see it," though he suggested it might be more about the TV crews zooming in on it repeatedly.

Midfielder Elliot Stroud dismissed suggestions of envy, calling the ritual "a bit of a cliché" and noting that Norwegians perform it "as soon as they get the chance." Meanwhile, a Norwegian fan named Emil Anners Lappen gained attention for refusing to participate, reportedly finding the rowing motion reminiscent of something else, though the article cuts off before elaborating on his specific reasoning.

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It's a bit of a cliché. It feels like they do it as soon as they get the chance. But they are doing well, so they are happy.