The Norwegian national team and its supporters continue to be the World Cup’s biggest crowd favourites, virtually superstars.
This time, the tribute came from a completely unexpected source.
On an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark, the pilots received an unusual message from the air traffic controller in the control tower before departure.
He first asked which national team they had on board. When he was told it was the Norwegian men’s national team, he could not resist.
– Tell them we’re rowing up here!
The pilots laughed heartily, promised to pass on the greeting to the players, and were then cleared for take-off.
The video, posted on the Facebook page Flight Simulator Fantasy, has already received more than 40,000 likes and over 2,000 shares. Among other things, they write:
When the air traffic controller learned that the aircraft had Norway’s national football team on board, he couldn’t resist having a little fun. He asked the crew to greet the players from the control tower and tell them, “We’re rowing up here” – a playful reference to Norway that has become even more widely recognised as the country continues to make headlines with stars such as Erling Haaland. The pilots laughed, promised to pass on the message, and were then cleared for take-off.
The comments are full of enthusiasm, just as we have seen in every story about Norway’s remarkable World Cup campaign in the United States.
“Even the control tower is rowing for the world’s best team,” writes Addie. “Does American Airlines serve aquavit from the drinks trolley? If so, it’s first class all the way!”
“I don’t know, but I heard they served pickled herring in first class,” replies Cindy.
“It makes me so happy to hear people talking about Norway. Both sides of my family came to America by ship through Ellis Island,” writes Nancy.
“What began as a simple gesture has grown into something that creates enormous goodwill and strong relationships between people on both sides of the Atlantic,” writes Carolyn.
Dave, who admits that he barely follows international football, writes: “That’s the team I’m supporting, apart from our own.”
AJ sums up what many are thinking: “Too funny. We’ll remember these matches and these memories for a long time.”
We all will, without a doubt.
Come on, Norway, on Saturday! Row as you have never rowed before.
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