AGENCIES

It took Norway 28 years to return to football’s greatest stage, but they are doing things in style with a commanding performance in their 3-2 World Cup victory over Senegal on Tuesday

The team - who won all eight of their European qualifiers - continue to impress, with a quick attacking side led by striker Erling Haaland and inspired playmaker Martin Odegaard.

“It was a fantastic football match. This is an advertisement for football,” coach Stale Solbakken told national broadcaster NRK after match at the New York/New Jersey stadium.

The victory follows a 4-1 win over Iraq in their opener and takes Norway through to the knockout stage.

Thousands of Norwegian supporters occupied the whole central area behind one of the goals in the stadium, performing their famous imitation of rowers in a Viking longboat. Haaland, apparently emboldened by the vibe from the stands, sailed around Senegal’s defence to score twice and keep himself in the race to win the World Cup Golden Boot. The Norwegian players joined the supporters after the final whistle, performing the rowing ritual on the pitch.

“It is bloody brilliant,” said striker Alexander Sorloth. “Today I am almost a bit moved.

“We played against Senegal, who are a fantastic team, and I think we were better than them. It’s an insane feeling,” he said.

“It’s emotional. It’s a big achievement for all of us. I’m really happy that we have gone through the group,” Marcus Holmgren Pedersen said after the match.

Defender Leo Ostigard added: “We know that we are a good team and have a lot of quality. That was our target, to get six points. We’re very happy.”

Holmgren Pedersen fittingly had the final word: “It’s amazing. So many people have come over here from Norway to support us, to cheer us on. The enthusiasm of our fans is unbelievable. We’re really happy for them. It feels as though this is a really special moment for Norway.”