Overview
- Norway opened the World Cup with a 4-1 win over Iraq in which Erling Haaland scored twice, a result that has lifted public excitement and given the team early momentum.
- Supporters created a viral
- Viking Row
- by rocking in their seats in sync, a simple seated 'rowing' chant that has spread online and in stadiums.
- Parliament President Masud Gharahkhani led the Stortinget in the Viking Row on Thursday, using the Norwegian wordplay 'Ro' to close the action with the call 'Ro i salen' ('Quiet in the hall').
- Civic and cultural institutions have followed the craze: videos show the chant beyond stadiums and Norway has announced royal family children will attend the next group match in New Jersey.
- Reporters link the Viking Row to Iceland's 2016 Viking Clap and note that Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998 has widened the ritual's reach and given the country a shared public moment.