It’s just a matter of finding the years, because Norway has a habit of beating Brazil in a World Cup context, and if there is one thing we are known for here at home on the mountain, it is to maintain habits and traditions. – I really think we can make it a regular thing that the Manchester United goalscorer of all time, Wayne Rooney, leads a rowing trip down (or up) the river Mersey every time Norway wins against Brazil.

Wayne Rooney with insane promise before Brazil-Norway – without knowing about historical statistics

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Brazil and Norway meet in the World Cup quarter-finals, and Wayne Rooney has made a startling promise ahead of the clash.

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Norway secured their first-ever World Cup victory in a knockout match when they beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in the last eight. Brazil advanced with the same digits against Japan – and thus the match is a fact.

Brazil are clear favourites, but Norway has several dangerous players who can challenge the five-time world champions. Erling Haaland proved once again that he is a force to be reckoned with when he scored the winning goal against Ivory Coast.

Nevertheless, Wayne Rooney does not believe that the Norwegians have any real chance of reaching the quarter-finals – because of their opponent’s quality and prestige. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have grown in the tournament after a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening match, with confident victories over Haiti and Scotland before overcoming a tough Japan challenge.

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On the BBC, Rooney stated:

“If Norway reaches the quarter-finals, I’ll go to the Mersey River and row down it.

The statement came in response to Gabby Logan’s claim that if Norway beats Brazil, it is possible that they will meet England in the quarter-finals. For that scenario to become a reality, England must first beat DR Congo in the last eight, and then Mexico or Ecuador in the last eight.

It may be appropriate to tell the English footballer that Norwegian fans in this context have neither boats nor oars, so water is not necessary.


Rooney may not have known about Norway’s strong record against Brazil

When Rooney made this promise, he may not have been aware of Norway’s historical record against Brazil – the Europeans have never lost to the South Americans.

Norway won the only competitive match between the teams, which took place at the 1998 World Cup in Marseille. There, the Europeans won 2-1. They also secured a 4–2 victory in a friendly match in 1997.

The first ever meeting between the teams ended in a draw all the way back in July 1988, and their last meeting – in August 2006 – also ended in a draw. Maybe Rooney should be careful about what he promises.