Norway and Haaland Shine in World Cup Return

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Monday saw Norwegians in red performing the “Viking row” across New York City. This fan ritual involves sitting side-by-side, mimicking rowing. They did this on the subway, in Times Square, and on 33rd Street, anticipating Norway’s World Cup match. Social media buzzed with images of the nation appearing to flood Manhattan. Later, around 10 p.m., Norwegians repeated the row at the New York-New Jersey Stadium after Norway defeated Senegal 3-2.

Team Norway joined in, doing their own version on the field, leading with Erling Haaland, their star striker. Haaland scored two goals against Senegal after netting two against Iraq the previous week. This marks Norway’s first World Cup since 1998, and they are quickly advancing. With two wins, Norway secured a knockout round spot. Haaland competes for the Golden Boot, awarded to the tournament’s top scorer. Argentina’s Lionel Messi has five goals, and France’s Kylian Mbappé has four. They both scored twice on Monday, while Haaland matched them.

“It’s easier to win the Golden Boot when you play for France and Argentina,” said Norway’s manager Ståle Solbakken. “We’re trying to give Haaland more games. He’s on fire, and I’m very happy for him scoring on the biggest stage.”

Throughout the night, the 6-foot-5 Haaland covered the field, often appearing relentless in his pursuit of the ball. During first-half stoppage time, he pressured Senegal’s goalkeeper, leading to a chance that narrowly missed, hitting the frame. Norway managed to regain possession. Moments later, a cross into the box saw Haaland attempt a header, only for the goalkeeper to save it. Each miss prompted visible frustration from Haaland.

Eventually, Haaland redeemed himself. In the 48th minute, he connected with a pass from Martin Ødegaard, sending a left-footed shot into the net. About 10 minutes later, Norway’s Patrick Berg passed to Haaland, who volleyed a goal off the crossbar. Haaland celebrated, acknowledging the ecstatic fans.

Despite this being Haaland’s World Cup debut, he exhibits a talent for big game moments. In 2019, he scored a first-half hat trick in his first Champions League game. In 2022, he scored twice in his Premier League debut for Manchester City. “It’s my specialty to score goals,” Haaland shared. “I’m quite lucky. I don’t know what I’m doing. But yeah. That’s just how it is.”

Norway faces France on Friday, both teams standing at 2-0. The winner will lead Group I, affecting knockout round seeding. Asked about the coming match, Haaland responded with unexpected candor.

“We managed to get through [to the knockout round], which is incredible,” Haaland remarked. “I couldn’t care too much about that game now. They’re probably going to win against us. They’re probably going to win the whole tournament.”

Haaland might aim to keep things in perspective. This is Norway’s fourth World Cup appearance, never advancing past the round of 16. Fans continued to celebrate after the win against Senegal, filled with chants and song.

“I’m part of something special,” Haaland expressed. “Norway’s part of something special. We’re making history, and I’m extremely proud to be Norwegian.”