The Vikings took the spoils.
Norway’s energetic, helmet-wearing fanbase descended on New York this week, and those who made up the majority of a sellout crowd of 80,663 Monday night at MetLife Stadium were rewarded with a conquering performance by their team that booked a place in the round of 32.
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2.
In its first World Cup since 1998, Norway has two wins from two matches and will play powerhouse France on Friday for first place in Group I.
As they had Sunday in Times Square, thousands of Norway supporters performed the synchronized, chanting “Viking row” celebration in their seats — on the rare occasion they weren’t standing and singing.
And when it was done, Norway captain Martin Odegaard led players and fans in one last rendition that could have powered a longship clear through the swamps of Jersey.
Haaland, the Manchester City star, now has four goals, keeping pace in the Golden Boot race with Lionel Messi (5) and Kylian Mbappe (4).
He latched onto a delightful assist from Odegaard and scored with his left foot to make it 2-0 shortly after halftime.
After Senegal scored, Haaland restored the margin by scoring with a right-footed volley, a striker at the peak of his powers.
