FIFA World Cup 2026: "The whole nation is rowing together," says Norway coach Solbakken after historic win over Brazil
New York, July 6
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken praised his team's unity and togetherness after the Scandinavian nation reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals for the first time in its history with a memorable victory over Brazil, according to Reuters.
Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to send his side into the last eight.
Reflecting on the team's success, Solbakken said the squad's close bond had been central to its achievements.
"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 give the opportunity to let people be themselves and say whatever they want, and that's a very important part of the whole thing, when things go well and when things go not so well," Solbakken told reporters, as quoted by Reuters.
The Norway coach said the team's success had united supporters across the country.
"I think that the whole nation is rowing together, and with that, I mean that we are having a great party here and in Oslo and in all the other big and small cities all the way through Norway," he said.
"The rowing is in a way a symbol of that, and that we are all together. So I think it's great days, it's a great summer to be a fan -- I think it's better to be a fan than a coach," he added.
Brazil dominated large spells of the match and missed a first-half penalty through Bruno Guimaraes, while Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland produced a string of crucial saves.
Haaland's late brace proved decisive before Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty for Brazil, whose tournament ended with a seventh straight World Cup knockout defeat to European opposition.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Im happy for Norway, but lets be honest - Brazil missing that penalty from Bruno Guimaraes was a huge turning point. Neymar looked frustrated throughout the match. The Scandinavian teams always have this incredible defensive organization but their attack is something special now with Haaland. Solbakken's "rowing together" metaphor is perfect - reminds me of Kerala's boat race culture where everyone pulls in the same direction! 🚣♂️
As someone who follows European football closely, this isn't surprising. Brazil has been struggling against organized European teams for years. Norway's development system is paying off big time - they produced Haaland, Odegaard and now a team that can beat Brazil. Solbakken deserves huge credit for building this culture. India should take notes on how smaller nations develop football infrastructure without huge budgets.
Norway reaching quarterfinals for the first time... that's amazing! 🎉 The way Solbakken talks about letting players be themselves and building a strong culture - that's such an important lesson for any team. Even in Indian sports, we see how team chemistry makes a difference. Haaland scoring that brace under pressure shows true champion mentality. Brazil fans must be heartbroken though, seven knockout losses to European teams is a brutal stat 😬
I know everyone is celebrating Norway, but can we talk about how they sat back for most of the match? Brazil dominated but couldn't finish. Solbakken's defensive tactics worked but it wasn't pretty football. Still, the result is what matters in World Cup knockouts. As an Indian fan, I'm just waiting for the day we qualify for a World Cup - these small nations show what's possible with proper planning and investment. 🏆
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.