Peter Christen Asbjornsen and Jorgen Moe are no longer responsible for Norway’s biggest fairy tale. Stale Solbakken scripted it. His heroes, his Askeladdens, were goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and goal-getter Erling Haaland. Brazil, the record five-time champions, at an unprecedented 23rd FIFA World Cup™, were widely expected to reach the quarter-finals. Yet little Norway left New York New Jersey Stadium having handed their heavyweight opponents a first Round-of-16 defeat since Diego Maradona and Argentina KO’d them at Italia ’90.
“It’s very hard to describe these emotions,” Nyland told FIFA. “It’s such an amazing feeling. It’s the best feeling ever.
“We obviously had a goal of staying here as long as possible. We knew we were the underdogs, we knew it would be difficult, but believed we could beat Brazil. “Now we’ve beaten Brazil again. We’ve never lost against them in the World Cup, right? It’s incredible. We all know how good Brazil are, what they mean in the World Cup. “I’m a bit lost for words because it’s such a huge achievement. I’m so happy for all Norwegians. We want to thank them a lot for all their support. “Now we get to stay here longer, so we’re very, very happy. This is the World Cup, it doesn’t get bigger, and we’re still here.” Nyland came up with four huge saves, including a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimaraes. “It all comes down to preparation,” the 35-year-old reflected. “I’ve done my research. I’ve worked closely with my mental coach, who’s an expert on this thing, and our analysts, goalkeeping coaches. It’s a big thank you to all of them as well. “It felt great to save it and keep us in the match. It was lovely to be part of this victory. The best feeling was when the final whistle went, though!” (laughs)
Nyland’s northernmost team-mate was responsible for getting Norway’s goals in a 2-1 victory. Erling Haaland became the first man since West Germany’s Gerd Muller at Mexico 1970 to score seven goals in his first four World Cup appearances. “That’s just how it usually goes,” explained Haaland. “If I get a chance or two, it usually ends up as a goal. I don’t know how I do it, but that’s how I do it. “It’s all about staying focused. I tell myself the chance will come. I’m starting to realise now that it’s a gift from God that it goes in perfectly. It’s crazy. “We just kept pushing forward. I hope that all the young people watching this interview – I hope that when you get a little older, you’ll see playing for Norway as the proudest thing you’ll ever do in your entire life. It’s absolutely insane. “I wish I was on the streets. I wish I was right there in the thick of it. It’s about having a good time – everyone has to have a good time, all of Norway has to have a good time. It’s the craziest day. It’s one of the craziest days in Norwegian history, and we just have to have fun and enjoy the moment.”
Sources: FIFA Official
