If you weren’t one of those who got to take part in the historic procession on Karl Johan to the Palace on Monday, there were plenty of TV pictures and videos that conveyed the unique atmosphere. England are preparing for the semi-final against Argentina, and all focus is on the English players, who really struggled against Ståle Solbakken’s men. The Guardian nevertheless takes the time to wonder about the phenomenon in Norway – after the nation was knocked out of the World Cup.
The major English newspaper covers with wonder and fascination what these “strange” Vikings are up to.
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Here is The Guardian’s coverage of the Oslo celebrations, when the Norwegian national team returned to the motherland:
“More than 100,000 fans flocked to the streets of Oslo to give their team a warm welcome, thus transforming the heartbreaking feeling of having lost their World Cup spot into a massive national celebration.”
“A 2-1 loss to England after extra time on Saturday put an end to Norway’s historic run in the quarter-finals, and shattered their dreams of a place in the last eight. However, this did not stop the country from celebrating its heroes.”
“Large crowds under the Norwegian summer sun filled the Palace grounds early Monday afternoon, with an unofficial attendance estimated at more than 100,000 people. The Norwegian national team landed to a traditional water cannon salute before they started their homecoming parade in the capital.”
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“The line of supporters quickly filled the Palace Square before it stretched far down Karl Johans gate, when the troop first participated in an audience with King Harald V. The team went out to greet the fans with the Royal Guard standing at attention behind them.”
“Striker Erling Haaland was noticeably absent from the final phase of the celebrations, having left early. His departure meant he missed out on joining his teammates on the castle steps for one last ‘Viking roarer’, with tens of thousands of fans gathered below, led by Crown Prince Haakon on the drum.”
“The crowds slowed the bus to a stop through central Oslo, forcing it to reverse at one point while the police escort struggled to clear the way. Undisturbed, the Norwegian players celebrated with beer and waved as the party continued long after dark.”
The Guardian has captured the mood well. Hello Norway!
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