The Norwegian fans made their long-held longing for the big world of football visible in an impressive choreography on Thursday evening. Before the World Cup qualifier against Estonia, a Viking ship could be seen on stormy seas in the stands in Oslo – the vessel with which the ancestors of many Norwegians went on a tour of conquest in Europe and beyond in the Middle Ages. Norway’s most talented footballers were in the boat for the stadium choreo: Erling Haaland, 25, Oscar Bobb, 22, and Antonio Nusa, 20, while captain Martin Odegaard, 26, was slightly offset at the helm. Haaland held a sword in his hand, Bobb a rowing staff, Nusa a football. Together they looked into the infinite distance, where not only did the sun rise perfectly and colorfully – but the golden world cup was already shining.
For a quarter of a century, generations of Norwegian national teams had struggled in vain to qualify for World or European Championships. Twelve times they set sail with hope, but their plans regularly capsized more or less spectacularly. Norway last took part in a World Cup in 1998, and before that only in 1938 and 1994; In addition, the only European Championship participation took place in 2000. None of the players mentioned above had yet been born when the kingdom’s footballers sensationally reached the round of 16 at the World Cup in France 28 years ago (including a win against eventual world champions Brazil). Haaland & Co. only know such stories from old stories, for example from their coach Stale Solbakken, 57, who was in the Norway squad as a player in 1998 and 2000.
But now Odegaard, Haaland and their colleagues have actually once again steered a Norwegian football ship safely through all the waves – to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. After the 4:1 (0:0) against Estonia, participation in the finals is de facto secured. Before the final direct duel with group runners-up Italy, Norway is three points and 17 goals ahead in goal difference. Even a 0:8 at San Siro in Milan would mean first place. The Norwegians have basically already passed the Statue of Liberty off New York, they just have to drop anchor and set foot on land – routine for Vikings.
Accordingly, after the final whistle there was a loud cheer in the Ullevaal Stadium, reminiscent of the ski parties at Holmenkollen, just six kilometers away. Streamers in the national colors of red, white and dark blue swirled over the stands, the players danced to local folk songs, there were cheeseburgers and the fans sang: “Norway is going to the World Cup.” King Harald V as well as Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit performed the honors live in the stadium box.
The expert Fjörtoft sees the Odegaard transfer to Real Madrid ten years ago as a positive turning point
“I’m a relieved man, really…” Solbakken stammered after the game. The coach, who became known in the Bundesliga through a short stint at 1. FC Köln in the 2011/12 season, took over what is probably the most talented men’s national team in Norwegian football history at the end of 2020. Solbakken now admitted that the successes of his famous predecessors Egil Olsen (1990-1998; 2009-2013) and Nils-Johan Semb (1998-2003), who recently led Norway to major events, had haunted him “like a nightmare”. The pressure was immense, increasing with every attempt. The proud nation was particularly hit hard by missing the 2024 European Championships in Germany.
The expectations in the country were evident for the team in the first half against Estonia: the players acted tensely – until the two double goal scorers Alexander Sörloth (50th/52nd) and Haaland (56th/62nd) eliminated any remaining doubts. “The most beautiful goal of my life,” said Sörloth with relief. The Atlético Madrid striker is part of the outstanding offensive around record scorer Haaland, Bobb (both Manchester City), Nusa (RB Leipzig) and the currently injured Odegaard (Arsenal FC), which scored a whopping 33 goals in qualifying. Another goal against Italy would break the record for goals previously held jointly by Germany and England in eight group games.
“Yes, we love this team,” wrote stadium visitor Jan Aage Fjörtoft on X – a reference to the national anthem “Ja, vi elsker dette lands”. The next day, the former Norwegian striker, who took part in the 1994 World Cup in the USA with Haaland’s father Alf-Inge and played for Eintracht Frankfurt for three years, explained to SZ on the phone why he was so excited about the team: because of the team unity and the players’ deep identification with the country. Representing this are Odegaard and Haaland, who wanted to wear the national jersey “more than anyone else,” said Fjörtoft – it was a “crazy signal” for the entire team. This is how the Scandinavians manage to act as a unit and cleverly conceal some defensive weaknesses. Fjörtoft also particularly praised the Norwegian association’s intensive youth work and the tactical style of Solbakken, who, contrary to the country’s traditionally physical style of play, has established an attractive offensive style that suits the squad’s strengths.
Fjörtoft, 58, sees the move of Odegaard, who was only 16 years old, to Real Madrid in 2015 as a turning point for Norway’s football. Even though he was unable to assert himself at Real as a teenager, it showed other talents that “ball artists can also come from Norway and that has nothing to do with the nation,” says Fjörtoft. Participation in the World Cup now marks the climax of this development. Today’s TV expert perceived the euphoria in the stadium as “boundless”, and the team even ran “two laps of honor”, says Fjörtoft – a feeling that brings back “memories of the 1990s” for him.
The winter sports nation of Norway, which recently celebrated successes in athletics, tennis and golf and is already one of the world’s best in women’s football, is now making a comeback in men’s football. “We’re back!” shouts Fjörtoft over the loudspeaker – even if the World Cup trophy is still many nautical miles away for the stubborn Vikings.