Red-clad fans in droves had lined Times Square, the Hudson River and escalators ahead of Norway's match against Senegal in New Jersey.
They continued to row in the stands during the match - and after the victory was secured, they were joined by the players. This gave even more fuel to the Norwegian World Cup phenomenon, which has become a talking point on a par with the Icelandic “volcano” at Euro 2016.
"We talked a little before the game about whether we would do it if everything went as planned - and it did. It was a special moment for all of Norway," says two-goal scorer and superstar Erling Braut Haaland, who has scored four goals after just two games.
"I'm just really good at scoring goals," he says.
“Nice and fun thing”
With Martin Ødegaard leading the drumming, the Norwegian players and leaders sat together and rowed in time with the fans in the stands.
Patrick Berg, a substitute against Senegal, was initially a little skeptical about the phenomenon. But not anymore.
When it started it was, "OK, is this something that will gain a foothold or is it something that will die out?" When you look up at the stands with so many fans and everyone doing it together, I think it has become a very nice and fun thing, he tells Dagbladet.
Could face Sweden
The Norwegian wins against Iraq (4–1) and Senegal (3–2) pave the way for more rowing celebrations before the World Cup is over.
With six points, advancement is already secured, but a victory against France on Friday is required to win the group and, if so, could see Norway face Sweden in the round of 16.
