EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Erling Haaland banged the drum to lead Norway fans in the Viking Row that has become a signature part of the World Cup.
After celebrating carrying his nation into the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time by scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over Brazil on Sunday, his thoughts drifted to the scene back home where tens of thousands of Norwegians partied into the night.
And, of course, performing the Viking Row themselves.
“Look at the streets in Norway,” Haaland said. “I’ve never experienced anything like it before. I kind of wish that I was in Oslo now celebrating with all the people.”
Thankfully for his teammates, the Manchester City striker is in the U.S. piling up the goals and making this the best World Cup in the history of Norway’s men’s national team.