You’ve already seen it. Think again if you think you haven’t.
Whether on social media, in Times Square or at a Mets game, it’s been impossible not to see Norway’s “Viking Row” chant as the nation embarks on a historic World Cup run.
Between that chant, the nation’s unwavering passion and strong offense, Norway has emerged into one of the feel-good stories of this World Cup entering Saturday’s quarterfinal clash with England.
And at the center of it all is Erling Haaland, who’s blossomed into Norway’s breakout star this tournament with seven goals in four matches.
While he’s making an impact on the field, he’s also embracing his time in America as Norwegians continue to storm the United States.
“I like the Americans,” Haaland told reporters before training in Florida on Thursday. “I think they are kind of hilarious, as well. They are funny, so I like the way they are.
“Every single thing with the World Cup so far here has been amazing: from games to the stadiums. Everything has been amazing – the training ground where we train, that’s been amazing. So I’m super happy, and it’s impressive.”
Haaland’s sense of humor and social media have gone viral, as he’s posted pictures with funny Snapchat filters and posted photos wearing a shirt that read, “Y’all can kiss my Dallas.”
After Norway’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, Haaland ventured to Wild Bill’s Western Store in downtown Dallas to buy four stetson hats and a pair of snake-skinned cowboy boots.
“Hello y’all,” Haaland said while entering the shop. “Dallas is amazing. I’m coming back here. The people are so positive – they’re just enjoying life.”
The Norwegian phenom has also starred in a YouTube docuseries sponsored by the upcoming Christopher Nolan film “The Odyssey.”
The docuseries has featured Haaland buying a Cowboy hat and going to a Carolina Hurricanes game.
Entertainment aside, Haaland has also become the heart and soul of Norway on the pitch. It largely stems from his wealth of European experience.
He got started playing competitively at 15 when he joined Bryne FK’s roster, his local professional team. The squad plays in Norway’s second-tier league.
Haaland then moved to Molde FK the following year, where he was managed by Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Solskjær helped Haaland improve his heading skills and he scored a team-leading 12 goals in 2017.
The 25-year-old continued his club success in 2019 after joining Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, where he built a reputation as an offensive prodigy with three hat tricks.
Before his eventual Premier League stint, Haaland transferred to the German Bundesliga team Borussia Dortmund in 2020, where he scored 86 goals in 89 appearances.
While last year was his final season with the club, Haaland made a name for himself with Manchester City in the Premier League, scoring 112 goals over four seasons. He also earned three Golden Boot awards.
Even with these successes, he’s made his presence most well-known with Norway’s national team.
And it’s not just due to this World Cup, though that’s a key reason why.
In a May 2019 match against Honduras in a FIFA Under-20 World Cup competition, Haaland scored an event-record nine goals to make headlines.
While Norway didn’t make the 2022 World Cup, Haaland’s put the country back on the map this summer, and the magical run is still going entering Saturday’s match in Miami Gardens, Fla.
You may bump into him at a cowboy-themed store in Dallas or watch him during a match, but there’s one constant.
Haaland is taking over America.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
