The result exceeded expectations, and tens of thousands in central Oslo and at Ullevaal Stadium were able to let themselves go completely. Erling Braut Haaland wants a mark to be made. For Norwegians to become prouder, as countries such as Brazil are of their national colours. He wants the World Cup to change history and how we think.
“It was a gift from God,” Haaland said when asked to comment on the two goals, referring in particular to the last one, when he shot between the legs of an opponent.
Things may come out of this victory whose full implications are not yet entirely visible.
We are used to the Brazilians being the samba nation. Now it is suddenly Norwegians who are acting as one great collective. That is unfamiliar.
The Crown Prince appeared in the sea of people rowing outside the Palace. Hardly anything similar has happened anywhere else, ever.
At Rådhusplassen there was fraternisation. We also saw girls wearing hijabs taking part in the celebration.
Something has happened during the course of this championship.
The team is beginning to play itself into form. Traditionally, in a World Cup, it often happens with the favourites that their form comes gradually.
That little Norway has beaten a great footballing nation such as Brazil for the third time, and in addition has drawn with them twice, is attracting attention. Norway has in fact never lost a match against Brazil.
The public can see that it is possible to defeat anyone. They had their doubts, but those doubts were put to shame.
The rowing, too, is a stroke of genius. Norway has never had better international PR. The images are going around the world.
Next Saturday there is a match against whoever wins the encounter between Mexico and England in the early hours of Monday.
Expectations will be at their peak. Now the sky’s the limit. Norway has the potential to go all the way.
In Trondheim, a crowd in football shirts is sitting and rowing in Torvet outside Nidaros Cathedral. In Bergen, people have set off flares on Torgallmenningen. Vågen in Stavanger went completely wild when local hero Haaland sent Norway into the quarter-final, and the people of Tromsø have kept things boiling since kick-off.
The airline Norse Atlantic is putting on an extra flight from Oslo to Miami, according to a press release from the company. This means even more Norwegians can be in place in the stands in Florida before kick-off on Saturday. (NTB)