Erling Haaland’s second double in as many World Cup appearances sent Norway into the knockout stages for the first time in 28 years — and the celebrations didn’t stop on the pitch.
Seconds after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, Norway manager Stale Solbakken, 58, sprinted into the stands and kissed his wife, Anniken, before raising a fist towards the crowd. The moment, captured on camera, prompted one fan to write on social media: “LONG LIVE THE ROMANTICS!”
“Erling Haaland's double sends Norway to World Cup knockouts for first time in 28 years; manager Stale Solbakken kisses wife after win.”
Haaland, the Manchester City striker, scored twice in a 3-2 win over Senegal that secured Norway’s place in the final 32. The victory set up a showdown with France in Boston on Friday to decide who tops Group I — a battle between two of the tournament’s most lethal finishers, with both Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappe on four goals, one behind Lionel Messi in the golden boot race.
Norway opened the scoring just before halftime when Marcus Pedersen — on as a substitute for the injured Julian Ryerson — capitalised on a misjudged clearance by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, firing past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. In the second half, Martin Odegaard, who had earlier fluffed his own chance, played a classic assist for Haaland to rifle into the top corner. Ten minutes later, Haaland volleyed home off the crossbar.
Senegal fought back through Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, who scored twice, including a stoppage-time strike, but it was not enough. Mendy’s injury led to nine minutes of added time, but Norway held on.
After the match, Solbakken joined his players in the now-iconic “Viking row” celebration on the pitch, facing a stadium dominated by Norwegian fans. Heavy rain and thunderstorms had hit the area, and visa restrictions prevented most Senegalese from entering the US, leaving far fewer of their supporters in the stands.
France’s 3-0 win over Iraq earlier ensured Group I became the first at the tournament to have two teams through. Senegal can still advance as one of the best third-placed sides. But for Norway, this tournament — their first since 1998 — has already been historic. And for Solbakken, the first thought after victory was clearly romantic.