Erling Haaland believes Norway are rewriting the country`s football history after leading them to their first-ever FIFA World Cup quarter-final with a memorable victory over Brazil.
The Manchester City striker celebrated the famous win by leading Norway`s "Viking Row" celebration in front of jubilant fans, capping another standout performance in a tournament where he has emerged as one of its biggest stars.
"I think the way we played today showed that Norway is a fantastic football team," Haaland said after the match.
"We`re one of the better teams in Europe and the world because of what we`ve achieved. It took 28 years, but we`re finally here."
Making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway have exceeded expectations under coach Stale Solbakken, with Haaland playing a central role in the team`s remarkable campaign.
The 25-year-old admitted he had always dreamed of representing Norway on football`s biggest stage but never imagined eliminating five-time champions Brazil.
"I dreamed of taking Norway to the World Cup, but I never expected us to beat Brazil," he said. "I thought some things weren`t possible, but I guess I was wrong."
Haaland has scored seven goals in four matches, putting him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at the top of the tournament`s scoring chart.
His overall international record is equally impressive, with 62 goals in 54 appearances, while he has now scored in each of Norway`s last 14 competitive matches.
Solbakken again described Haaland as "the world`s best goalscorer" and praised both his physical condition and his impact against Brazil.
"He looked very strong today. Brazil`s defenders found it difficult to contain him," the Norway coach said.
Norway winger Andreas Schjelderup, who set up both of Haaland`s goals against Brazil, said the squad feels fortunate to have one of world football`s most clinical finishers leading the attack.
"We`re all just happy that he`s Norwegian and playing for us," Schjelderup said. "He can score from almost any situation, and we`re lucky to have him."
Norway will face either co-hosts Mexico or England in the quarter-finals as they continue their dream run at the World Cup.
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