Haaland Scores Late Winner as Norway Advances
Norway's star footballer Erling Haaland declared that the moment was 'bigger than football' after his team performed the iconic 'Viking Row' celebration following a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. The match, held in Texas on Tuesday (local time), saw Haaland net a dramatic late winner in the 86th minute, sealing Norway's place in the Round of 16.
The 'Viking Row' is a popular celebration where fans imitate the synchronised rowing of a traditional Viking ship. It represents unity, strength, and a collective fighting spirit, echoing the historical Vikings who rowed together before battle. After the victory, captain Martin Odegaard led the celebrations by beating a drum as players and support staff performed the gesture, with fans in the stands joining in unison.
Haaland's Post on X
In a post on X, Haaland wrote, 'This is bigger than football,' accompanied by a heart emoji, signifying that the moment transcends sport itself. The post garnered widespread attention, highlighting the emotional connection between the team and its supporters.
Match Summary
Antonio Nusa opened the scoring for Norway, but Ivory Coast's Amad Diallo equalised with a solo effort. Haaland then secured the win with a late strike, ending Ivory Coast's historic first-ever World Cup knockout appearance. Haaland also reached several milestones: he became the first player in 72 years to score in each of his first three World Cup starts, extended his international scoring streak to 13 matches, and reached 60 goals in 53 appearances for Norway.
Norway to Face Brazil Next
Norway now advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Brazil in New York on July 5. The team's unity and fighting spirit, embodied by the Viking Row, will be crucial as they take on the five-time world champions.
