Erling Haaland double sees Stale Solbakken’s side through to last 32
In fact, the 25-year-old was disappointed he did not net a hat-trick in a game that some thought might not take place at all after fans were briefly cleared from the stadium amid heavy rain around four hours before kick-off as a flood watch was issued by the US National Weather Service in the area and nearby New York.
However, the predicted torrential rain during the match stayed away, allowing Norway to record their second victory of the tournament, more than they had managed in all their previous World Cups, and they now face France on Friday to determine who wins Group I. Senegal, meanwhile, are going to need to rack up the goals in their final contest with Iraq if they want to join Norway and France in the knockouts.
Odegaard leads ‘Viking row’ celebration
Norway’s players – led by a drum-beating Martin Odegaard – sat on the pitch and performed the ‘rowing’ celebration made iconic by their fans, who had earlier packed Times Square.
“At the start, I think people doubted a little bit, like, is this something that’s going to last or just something that’s going to die off? But it’s been a massive part of our World Cup so far,” midfielder Patrick Berg said. “I feel the energy that we create together with [the fans] is really important for us.”
“It was incredibly fun,” forward Alexander Sorloth said after the game. “When you hear the sound, it’s magical.”
