Wild overnight celebrations erupted across Norway as the men’s national football team secured a coveted qualification for the World Cup knockout stages, prompting a tide of elated supporters to head towards the palace of 89-year-old King Harald V, hoping he might join their revelry.
Despite the thrilling 3-2 victory against Senegal in their Group I second-round match concluding around 4 am (0200 GMT) on Tuesday, jubilant Norwegian fans poured onto the streets.
The win ensured their progression to the last 32, sparking widespread football fever across Oslo.
Football fever engulfed Oslo, with the capital full of jubilant people celebrating the win, even though Tuesday was a normal workday.
A large crowd then marched up Oslo’s main thoroughfare towards the royal residence, chanting: “We’re going to wake up the king.”
Upon reaching the palace square, hundreds of fans sat on the ground to perform the “Viking rowing” celebration.
The Norwegian Royal House declined to comment on whether King Harald V and Queen Sonja had been awoken by the festivities, or if the monarch had stayed up to watch the match.
It remarked only: “The Royal House rejoices with the rest of the country over the men’s national team’s victory last night.”
Meanwhile, over in the US, it was a memorable night for the Norwegian side who overcame Senegal thanks to a brace from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Haaland scored twice early in the second half after Marcus Holmgren Pedersen had given Norway the lead shortly before half time.
Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr scored twice for Senegal, but it was not enough to earn his side a point.
The jubilant Norwegians ended the game by taking part in a “Viking row” on the pitch, facing their fans. The stadium was dominated by the red jerseys of Norway, who have been entertaining New Yorkers in recent days with their mass rowing.
Visa restrictions have prevented most Senegalese from entering the U.S., and there were far fewer of their fans in the stands.
Norway are set to face France in their final group match on Friday, with top spot in the group up for grabs.
