Long before kick-off, thousands of Norway supporters had gathered outside the stadium, many draped in Viking helmets, waving giant red flags and singing songs that have become familiar throughout this World Cup. <\/p>\n
There was excitement, naturally, but also something else – belief. A quiet confidence that this team could compete with anyone.<\/p>\n
For years, Norway have watched major tournaments from afar despite producing world-class talent.<\/p>\n
This is only their fourth World Cup appearance – the first since 1998. And the furthest they had gone before this year were two last-16 finishes 50 years apart, in 1938 and 1998. <\/p>\n
They had not won a World Cup knockout tie until last Tuesday. Now they have won two in a row – the latest against the five-time winners and most-decorated side in the tournament. <\/p>\n
“I said to the boys that I don’t think it’s 50-50, but we have a fair chance if we play at our best and have match-winners, and we had that,” Norway boss Solbakken said.<\/p>\n
At full-time, it was Haaland who led the celebrations, banging the drum as he and his team-mates performed the iconic Viking Row with their supporters. <\/p>\n
“This is just an insane day,” said Haaland. “It is one of the most insane days in Norwegian history.” <\/p>\n
Warnock said: “He is hugely emotional and rightly so. He plays in one of the best teams in world football, in terms of clubs.<\/p>\n
“But when you play for Norway they’re not a huge name. Norway are starting to make history for themselves, and he is at the forefront of that.” <\/p>\n
Solbakken said: “The whole nation is rowing together, and with that, I mean that we are having a great party here and in Oslo and in all the other big and small cities all the way through Norway.<\/p>\n
“The rowing is in a way a symbol of that, and that we are all together. So I think it’s great days, it’s a great summer to be a fan – I think it’s better to be a fan than a coach.” <\/p>\n
The rowing has taken over the World Cup. And now Rooney will have to row down the River Mersey, external<\/a> after promising he would if Norway made the quarter-finals. <\/p>\n