“I’m sitting with the legends at England vs Norway, but I’ll join in the Viking row – hopefully we can give England one hell of a beating! I really think we can win the World Cup” Former Liverpool hero is backing his country to go all the way
England will be the opponents as Norway play in a World Cup quarter-final for the first time ever on Saturday – and one former player is tipping the Scandinavians as possible candidates to win the trophy.
Norway returned to the tournament after 28 years away this summer, but beat Senegal and Ivory Coast on their way to the last 16, before shocking Brazil in New Jersey.
Erling Haaland scored both goals in that game, before leading his team-mates in what has now become a traditional Viking rowing celebration on the pitch, with fans doing the same in the stands.
Former Liverpool star is backing Norway
Former Liverpool and Norway star John Arne Riise will be at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for Saturday’s quarter-final, and is eager to join in the Viking row.
“I haven’t done it yet because I’ve been watching the games in a quiet area,” he explained. “But I’m going to the game this Saturday and I have to do it in the stands. I’m probably going to be sitting with other legends there, and when they do the rowing, I’m joining in! I mean, I have to, because I’ve never been to a World Cup either as a fan or a player.
“I’m so excited because it’s going to be an unbelievable match on the pitch, but also in the stands. The Norwegian fans and English fans are going to have a great time together.
“Seeing how this World Cup has been for Norwegian fans has been unbelievable, and I want to participate, support them, and give my best to help the team. Hopefully, we can give England one hell of a beating.”
That last line was a reference to the famous commentary of Bjorge Lillelien, when Norway beat England in a World Cup qualifier in 1981. That result was a huge upset back then, but Norway haven’t lost to the Three Lions in a competitive fixture since that day.
Riise believes that his country could even contend to win the whole tournament now.
I do think that Norway can win the World Cup if they win this game against England
“Yes, I do think that Norway can win the World Cup if they win this game against England,” he said, speaking in association with BestBettingSites.co.uk.
“Why not? Before the World Cup started, I never thought we could win it, I thought a quarter-final spot would be our absolute maximum. But the way they’ve played, the way they’ve carried themselves, and the way they’ve attacked every single game to get to where they are now is unbelievable.
“Yes, I believe we can win it. I still think France are the massive favorites for the whole tournament and I can’t see anybody beating them at the moment, but we can absolutely win. We are in the last eight, so everything is possible.”
