Haaland ignites the "Viking rowing" celebrations.

Erling Haaland led Norway's famous celebrations known as the "Viking Row" after beating Brazil, as he beat the drum in front of cheering crowds, while the team continues to dance to the rhythm of their shining star after reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in its history.

In Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998, coach Ståle Solbakken, who was a midfielder on that team, successfully guided his country to an unprecedented journey, largely inspired by the player he describes as "the best striker in the world."

Haaland was born just weeks after Norway's last participation in a major tournament, which was Euro 2000, and today he is leading his country towards unprecedented achievements on the biggest football stage in the world.

Haaland said, "I think the way we played today showed that Norway is a great football team."

He continued, "We are already one of the best teams in Europe and the world, because what we have achieved is amazing. It took 28 years; it needed some time."

He added, "I am only 25 years old, so you can't hold me responsible for that. It's incredible. I am proud of my country and proud of everyone."

The Manchester City striker has won the Golden Boot in the English Premier League in three of the last four seasons. Although his scoring record with the Norwegian national team is impressive, perhaps the most notable aspect is the way he has inspired his country to achieve feats that seemed out of reach.

He added, "I dreamed of playing in the World Cup with Norway and taking it to the tournament, but I never expected that we would beat Brazil, to be honest."

He explained, "I thought some things were impossible, but it seems I was wrong."

Haaland started the tournament by scoring twice in the 4-1 victory over Iraq, then netted two more in the 3-2 win against Senegal, leading Norway to the knockout stages.

It now seems that Solbakken's decision to rest Haaland in the loss to France, amid widespread changes to the lineup, was a wise one, as Norway is not only meeting expectations in this World Cup but far exceeding them.

As expected, Haaland was the one who scored the late goal that gave Norway the win over Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, before repeating the same feat against Brazil.

He said, "I think we are changing the nation. I never dreamed of this. I feel like what is happening is like a fantasy."