Viking rowing celebration fuels Norway's World Cup knockout stage advance

Norway celebrated a significant victory, defeating Senegal 3-2 and securing their spot in the World Cup knockout stage. This marks their first appearance in the round of 32 since 1998.

Following the final whistle, captain Martin Odegaard and star striker Erling Haaland led the team in their signature "Viking rowing" celebration with the fans. Coach Stale Solbakken also joined the jubilant team, sharing an emotional embrace with his wife in the stands.

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At first, many wondered if this celebration would last or just be a temporary trend, but now it's become a big part of our World Cup journey. Doing it in New York was a beautiful moment because it started in Oslo before we came to the World Cup, and now the whole world knows it.

Midfielder Patrick Berg acknowledged initial doubts about the "rowing" celebration becoming a World Cup phenomenon. "At first, many wondered if this celebration would last or just be a temporary trend, but now it's become a big part of our World Cup journey," he said. "Doing it in New York was a beautiful moment because it started in Oslo before we came to the World Cup, and now the whole world knows it."

Striker Alexander Sorloth described sharing the moment with supporters as more special than he had anticipated. "We don't know how far we can go in this tournament yet, but if Norway plays at its best, anything can happen and we can go far," he added.

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We don't know how far we can go in this tournament yet, but if Norway plays at its best, anything can happen and we can go far.