Norway’s World Cup success has sparked euphoria in the country, but the viral celebration of the team’s Viking row is beginning to test the patience of its Scandinavian neighbors, provoking indifference in Sweden and envy in Denmark.
The choreography became a phenomenon, with captain Martin Odegaard leading players, coaching staff and fans in a synchronized performance after the final whistle in the 3-2 victory over Senegal, and Norwegian fans trying to convince the Nordic country’s king to join the trend.
For the Swedes, however, the Viking row is more of a nuisance than a novelty, with some finding the rowing simulation too similar to the “thunderclap” made famous by Iceland fans in previous tournaments.
“I will never do that. We just sigh. Maybe more at the TV crew who choose to zoom in on it every time,” Swedish defender Gustaf Lagerbielke told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday. “It’s very similar to the Icelandic celebration, after all. But, everyone has their own quirks.”
Other members of the Swedish team were also unimpressed.
“It’s probably getting a bit old. They seem to do it every chance they get. But it works out well for them after all,” added teammate Elliot Stroud.
However, while the Swedes are still fighting for a place in the knockout stages, the Danes, out of the tournament after a qualifying play-off defeat to the Czech Republic, are finding the Norwegian euphoria much harder to swallow.
“It’s bordering on Nordic adult bullying. The Norwegians are having the party of their lives. And what’s more, in the company of a team that really knows how to play football,” wrote Danish journalist Johnny Wojciech Kokborg in the tabloid BT
“The fact is — unfortunately — that the Norwegians could end up hurting many teams. But, above all, it hurts us Danes to admit that we are no longer the best in the Nordic region.”
He added: “It’s simply unbearable. You’re making fun of us, Norway.”
