Total euphoria in Oslo: "It will be a World Cup medal!"
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Norway has reached the World Cup semifinals after defeating Brazil in a thrilling quarterfinal match.
- Tens of thousands of fans celebrated in Oslo, with the victory sparking widespread euphoria.
- The team's success has generated immense national pride and optimism for further success in the tournament.
Oslo erupted in total euphoria as Norway secured a historic place in the World Cup semifinals by defeating Brazil in a dramatic quarterfinal clash. The streets of the capital transformed into a sea of red as tens of thousands of jubilant Norwegians celebrated the team's unprecedented achievement.
It's totally unbelievable. It's so insanely good. It's the biggest so far.
The match, which saw Norway secure a 2-0 lead through an Erling Braut Haaland goal in the 90th minute, was far from over. Brazil managed to pull one back, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and injecting a surge of panic among the Norwegian fans in Oslo's central Spikersuppa park. The final whistle, however, brought an overwhelming wave of relief and deafening cheers, confirming Norway's place in the tournament's final four.
It's absolutely insane. I'm not a football supporter, but the World Cup is something completely unique. I'm just incredibly happy.
Supporters like Ola Hovne described the feeling as "unbelievable" and "insanely good," calling it the "biggest moment so far" for Norwegian football. Even those who don't typically follow the sport were swept up in the unique atmosphere of the World Cup. Daniel Lauritzen, who had been celebrating all evening, expressed his pride in being Norwegian on this day, admitting he was "fifty-fifty" on their chances before the match.
I was fifty-fifty. It's wonderful to be Norwegian today. I am very proud.
The national team's success has ignited a fervent belief that a World Cup medal is within reach. While some, like Hovne, are cautiously optimistic about potentially beating England in the next round, others, like Anne Vervik, are boldly predicting a World Cup victory for Norway. The celebrations are expected to continue for days, with fans mirroring the team's now-famous "rowing" celebration on the field. Despite some minor fireworks-related injuries reported by police, the overwhelming sentiment is one of immense national pride and a shared dream of footballing glory.
Norway will win the World Cup.
Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.