US Police Greet Norway's National Team with Rowing Gesture on the Tarmac

The gesture is part of the so-called "Viking Row," which is considered an evolution of the Icelandic "Viking Clap" from the 2016 European Championship. The difference: after two increasingly faster drumbeats, the Icelanders clapped their hands in between — the Norwegians, by contrast, "row" back and forth in their seats.

Fox News picked up the scene in a post, writing: "Texas hat den roten Teppich für Norwegen ausgerollt". The action attracted international attention and was widely shared on social media.

Background on the Tournament

Background on the Tournament

Norway is participating in a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. The excitement surrounding the team is correspondingly great, and the squad has made a name for itself before and during the tournament with its rowing battle chant.

The Reaction Online

Norway's coach Stale Solbakken expressed surprise at the reception during the press conference. He said: "Ich saß auf der falschen Seite des Flugzeugs, aber das ist schon eine surreale Sache". Looking at the hype, he added jokingly: "Na ja, ich nehme an, der Erfinder des Ruderns hat es sich patentieren lassen – hoffe ich zumindest."

The Reaction Online

Outlook on the Match

The rowing performance by the players and fans from Norway is already considered one of the legacies of this World Cup. In reference to the Icelandic "Viking Clap," the Norwegian supporters have developed their own variation, which is being picked up in stadiums and at airports.

Beyond the sporting aspect, the gesture is also making headlines off the pitch. Several US media outlets reported on the unusual reception at the airport.

Outlook on the Match

For the Norwegians, a knockout match against the Ivory Coast awaits on Tuesday evening. After 28 years of absence, simply participating in the finals is an achievement — and the response to the "Viking Row" shows how much attention the team has already attracted.