Ståle Solbakken called it “the greatest day in Norwegian football history” while Erling Haaland labelled it one of “the sickest”. One thing is for certain, however: Norway are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time after deservedly beating Brazil.
A late brace from Haaland decided the contest, with the final score 2-1, and immediately caused chaos back home. Tens of thousands took to the streets of Oslo in the early hours to celebrate, including an impromptu gathering at the royal palace, where fans were greeted by Crown Prince Haakon, who was wearing a Norway scarf.
“I think that all Norwegian citizens are experiencing the night of a lifetime,” Solbakken said. “They will probably party for a week or so. Erling was our match-winner but I’m happy that everyone played their game on the greatest night in Norwegian football history. Everyone played their part.
“This is a great group. They love being together, they train well, they help each other and protect each other. We have a strong culture and we have an opportunity to let people be themselves and say whatever they want. That’s very important both when things go well and when they don’t.”
Almost as if hearing his coach’s words, Haaland was being himself in his post-match remarks. “I wish I was on those streets; I wish I was involved in it,” Haaland said of the celebrations. “Everyone has to enjoy themselves. All of Norway has to enjoy themselves. It’s one of the sickest days ever in Norwegian history. You just have to enjoy it, because this is sick.”
A half-time double substitution was key to changing the tide of a closely fought contest, with Solbakken saying switching his wingers had been an instinctive decision to increase possession in dangerous areas. “You have to have faith in what you do,” he said. “You have to follow your gut feeling. It could go both ways. It was a chess game.”
Carlo Ancelotti, who became Brazil manager just over a year ago, must deal with the heat of a post-tournament inquisition. As their former talisman Neymar appeared to announce his international retirement post-match – “I tried, I tried … Now it’s over,” he said – Ancelotti insisted the team must draft a new generation of players into the Seleção.
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“Everyone is profoundly disappointed,” Ancelotti said. “I think we didn’t do a spectacular World Cup but we did a good one and we even deserved to win this match at some points. This is a defeat, and we have to continue doing our jobs continuing to improve. It’s not the end, it’s the beginning of a new cycle.”
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