Stale Solbakken: 'The whole of Norway is rowing together' after historic World Cup quarterfinal qualification

Norway has achieved a historic milestone, advancing to the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16. The team's triumph has ignited national pride, with celebrations erupting across the country.

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This is a fantastic group. They love being together, they work well, they help each other, and they protect each other. We have a strong culture.

Following the match, head coach Stale Solbakken lauded his players for their exceptional performance and cohesive team spirit. "This is a fantastic group. They love being together, they work well, they help each other, and they protect each other. We have a strong culture," Solbakken stated. He emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to express themselves, highlighting that this supportive atmosphere is crucial both in success and adversity.

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I think the whole country is rowing together. There is a big celebration here, in Oslo, and in all the big and small cities of Norway. The rowing celebration is like a symbol of that.

The coach also commented on the team's distinctive 'rowing' celebration, which has become a symbol of their unity. "I think the whole country is rowing together," Solbakken remarked, describing the widespread jubilation in Oslo and cities throughout Norway. He added, "The rowing celebration is like a symbol of that. These are great days to be a fan, a great summer. I think being a fan is better than being a coach."

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We wanted to have the ball as much as possible. Some of Brazil's players don't like chasing the ball. They couldn't get comfortable when we had possession for a long time.

Solbakken revealed that the team's strategy against Brazil involved consciously maintaining possession of the ball. "We wanted to have the ball as much as possible. Some of Brazil's players don't like chasing the ball. They couldn't get comfortable when we had possession for a long time," he explained. Looking ahead, Solbakken expressed no preference for their next opponent, stating, "I have no preference about who we will face in the next match. If it's Mexico, then Mexico; if it's England, then England. Today, we played close to our best level against a very good team. We needed that to win."

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I have no preference about who we will face in the next match. If it's Mexico, then Mexico; if it's England, then England.