Google Celebrates Haaland's Viking Row Trend Amid World Cup Excitement
Google Joins the Viking Row Celebration for Haaland
In a fun twist, Google has embraced the viral 'Viking Row' celebration that has gained popularity during the FIFA World Cup, showcasing an animation when users search for Erling Haaland, Norway's star player.
Norway's campaign has drawn global interest due to the 'Viking Row', a synchronized celebration where fans mimic rowing a Viking longboat. This tradition has taken social media by storm, with players like Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard celebrating alongside fans after their victories.
Norway is set to face England in their first-ever quarterfinal match on July 12 at 2:30 AM. Their remarkable journey in the tournament includes a notable 2-1 victory over Brazil, largely thanks to Haaland, who is a contender for the Golden Boot with seven goals, just one behind Lionel Messi.
Haaland took to X to express his appreciation for Google's nod to the 'Viking Row', stating, "One thing to do today... search my name on Google." Upon searching, users are greeted with a party-pop icon that, when clicked, reveals animated figures adorned with 'Viking'-style horns and Norwegian flags performing the iconic celebration.
Repeated clicks on the party-pop icon play the sound of drums leading to the collective shout of 'Ro!', further embedding Haaland and Norway into mainstream culture during the tournament.
Haaland's Viral Rap Song Gets a Kygo Remix
In an unexpected move, Haaland has released a remix of his earlier viral rap song 'Kygo jo' in collaboration with renowned Norwegian DJ Kygo.
Before becoming a prolific goal-scorer for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City, Haaland briefly ventured into rap with his under-17 teammates Erik Botheim and Erik Tobias Sandberg, forming a group called 'Flow Kingz'. In 2016, while playing for Bryne in Norway, they released the track 'Kygo jo'.
With Norway returning to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years and Haaland scoring seven goals, the song has surged in popularity, amassing 8.9 million views on YouTube. In a past interview, Haaland humorously reflected on his rap group, saying, "It is a group of three. One guy - Erik Botheim - and Erik Tobias as well, we are good friends. We were a bit bored, so we decided to make a rap song!"
Kygo had previously hinted at releasing the remix if Norway triumphed over Brazil in their round of 16 match. Following Haaland's standout performance in the 2-1 victory, the remix was released to commemorate this historic achievement. Haaland shared the song on his Instagram, asking, "Does this mean I'm officially an artist now?" Norway will now face England in their quarterfinal match on July 12 at 2:30 AM IST in Miami.
Norway's Historic Quarterfinal Against England
The upcoming match will see Haaland go head-to-head with England's captain Harry Kane and rising star Jude Bellingham.
Haaland's Record-Breaking World Cup Performance
In the match against Brazil, Haaland scored twice, bringing his total to seven goals, making him the joint-highest scorer in a debut World Cup since Poland's Grzegorz Lato in 1974. He has an impressive average of one goal every 14 touches, the best ratio for any player with three or more goals in a single World Cup over the last 60 years.
Haaland's seven goals have come from just 18 shots, resulting in a remarkable 39% conversion rate, the highest finishing efficiency in a World Cup since Gary Lineker's 40% in 1986.
With this victory, Norway remains the only team among 91 nations that Brazil has never defeated, with two draws and three losses in five encounters.