Norway dream of historic Brazil upset as fans fill Oslo squares

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Norway dream of historic Brazil upset as fans fill Oslo squares
Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

He is one of thousands of Norwegians who will watch tonight's match on the big screen at Ullevål National Arena in Oslo.

"I believe in the guys and that it can be a victory. It can be a historic night for Norway," he says.

Five-time champion Brazil is the favourite on paper, but has failed to beat Norway in the four previous meetings between the national teams.

History is on our side, so I think Brazil feels extra pressure because of that.

In the 1998 World Cup, Norway beat Brazil in Marseille. At the time, Øyvind was three years old.

"I don't remember the match, but I grew up with it. I still remember people talking about it when I was ten years old," he says.

“Sold out everywhere”

There is high pressure at the capital's outdoor cafes. In the Spikersuppa city park, the screens are ready, but the queue is almost 200 metres long.

"We've been standing here for about an hour and a half. It's sold out everywhere," says Magnus Iversen.

The match is also broadcast a few steps away at Rådhustorget, but no alcohol is served there.

We would prefer to have the atmosphere that comes with the 18-year age limit, if you know what I mean, he says.

He predicts that Norway will win in extra time after 1-1 during regular time.

We have seen many close matches in the championship with teams that you didn't think would have a chance, like Cape Verde for example. So it should be possible for Norway too, says Magnus Iversen.

First on site

Harald Jorge Torres has been sitting on Rådhustorget since this morning. He was there in Marseille when Norway beat Brazil in 1998, but his son Enrique was not born then.

Now they are enjoying the sun together.

"It means a lot to me. Today I'm sitting here with my son and I want to experience this again, and share it with him. That's the biggest thing," he says, hugging Enrique's hand.

The last time the square was used in a World Cup context was in November last year, when 45,000 Norwegians celebrated the country's qualification for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

Harald Jorge Torres barely dares to hope for a victory.

It would be absolutely crazy if we were to move on, absolutely. But I think we should be happy with this folk festival in Oslo. It's a big day no matter how it goes.

But what if there were a win?

"I've met Diego Maradona. And I think a victory would be comparable to that," he says.

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By TT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers

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