Hundreds of thousands of Norwegians welcome their World Cup team in Oslo – Haaland absent from the highlight

On the palace's outdoor staircase, players and fans performed the now world-famous rowing salute. Crown Prince Haakon set the tempo with a drum. „Ich habe mein Bestes gegeben, wir sind etwas ins Hintertreffen geraten. Sie haben gut gerudert“, the Crown Prince said with a smile about his contribution.

Erling Haaland also helped set the mood — though without being there in person. The 25-year-old striker, who had scored seven goals at the World Cup, had left the celebrations early to continue his vacation in Sicily. He was therefore missing from the joint finale of the „Wikinger-Rudergrußes" on the palace steps.

Haaland's raccoon and his early departure

Upon his arrival in Oslo, Haaland had still caused a stir: he stepped off the plane carrying a stuffed raccoon holding a glass bottle in its hand. According to The Athletic, he had bought the animal for 750 dollars at the Texas Western store Wild Bill's. „Er ist mir nach Hause gefolgt", Haaland wrote on Instagram. Owner Julie Newport told the paper: „Wir hatten in den letzten Jahren ein paar dieser ausgestopften Waschbären im Laden, und er war offensichtlich von ihnen und ein paar Eichhörnchen fasziniert."

After the official part at the palace, the celebration continued with a bus tour through Oslo. From open-top double-deckers, the players waved to the crowds. Goalkeeper Örjan Nyland spoke of a lasting moment: „Hier zu stehen und ein bisschen Geschichte geschrieben zu haben, das sind Erinnerungen, die für immer bleiben werden."

Bus tour through Oslo and player reactions

The Norwegian team had been eliminated in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, losing 1:2 to England after extra time. Reaching the final eight was nevertheless regarded in Norway as a historic success, which explains the enthusiastic reception back home.

The excitement in Oslo was directed not only at the sporting performance but also at the way the team had presented itself over the past weeks. With songs and choreographies, players and fans had already attracted attention during the tournament.

As the players rode through the city center on the bus, thousands lined the streets. Police spoke of a peaceful course, with the celebration stretching into the late evening.