Norway's World Cup success brought euphoria to the country. But the team's signature celebration, known as the "Viking row," is testing the patience of its Scandinavian neighbors. The celebration has sparked outrage in Sweden and Denmark.
The “Viking row” celebration is done in sync and has gone viral. First the fans, then the speakers, and finally the players of Norway sit in a row and move their arms simultaneously, to imitate the direction of a long Viking ship. Accompanied by drum beats, the fans or players shout “Ro”.
After Norway's recent victory, captain Martin Odegard led the players, coaching staff and supporters in one such celebration.
But for the Swedes, their neighbors' celebration is more of an annoyance than a novelty. According to them, the Norwegian celebration is very similar to the "thunder" made famous by Icelandic fans in previous tournaments.
"I will never do it," Swedish defender Gustaf Lagerbielke told reporters on Tuesday.
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"It's very similar to the Icelandic volcano."
Other members of the Swedish team were equally disappointed.
"Maybe it's starting to get a little too much. It seems like they use it every chance they get. But ultimately it works well for them," said fellow Swedish player Elliot Stroud.
While Sweden can focus on their next World Cup match, the Danes are having a much harder time coping with the Norwegian euphoria. Denmark has not qualified for the World Cup. They were defeated in the play-offs by the Czech Republic.
"This is bordering on the harassment of Nordic adults. Norwegians are currently experiencing the party of their lives. And what's more, in the company of a representative team that can play football," wrote Danish journalist Johnny Wojciech Kokbor in the BT media.
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"Unfortunately, it is a fact that the Norwegians can end up hurting many teams. But most of all it hurts us Danes to admit that we are not yet the best in the Nordic region."
He added, "It's just unbearable. You're kidding us, Norway."
