Norway is now considered by many to be better at football and several other sports than Sweden. Among Swedish supporters, there has been a sense of some envy over the neighbouring country's successes. In his podcast, media personality Filip Hammar said that "the Norwegians are idiots now and act like they won the World Cup". However, this kind of rivalry is only positive, believes Niels Engelschiøn.
It creates a healthy and natural competition that gets people excited. It's extra fun to beat the Swedes and certainly the other way around, says Niels Engelschiøn, and continues:
But when it comes to things that matter, we stand together. Football means a lot but we don't talk about war and peace.
NATO-favoured ties
Despite the rivalry, few neighbouring countries have such a good relationship as Norway and Sweden, believes Niels Engelschiøn. He points to trade between the countries and the fact that many are connected through family ties, politics and culture. The fact that Sweden and Norway are allies in NATO has benefited the relationship.
The stability between the countries has lasted a long time, says the Norwegian ambassador, but the relationship has not always been problem-free. Germany invaded Norway during World War II and many Norwegians felt that it took a while before Sweden helped its neighbour, says Niels Engelschiøn.
It was understandable based on Sweden's neutrality policy. But there are probably some who haven't forgotten it.
However, he emphasizes that Sweden helped many refugees across the border.
The Norwegian successes do not only apply to football. Norway has also had great successes in literature and film, among other things. Earlier this year, the film "Sentimental Value" by Norwegian Joachim Trier won an Oscar and Norwegian Jon Fosse received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2023.
No role model in football
But despite Norway's successes, Sweden is still a country that many Norwegians look up to with respect. The image of Sweden as a "big brother" has long existed, according to the Norwegian ambassador.
Will Sweden still be seen as big brother if Norway becomes world champion?
Sweden will always be a country we look up to, but in terms of football, Sweden may not be for a while, until things turn around again, says Niels Engelschiøn.
The border between Norway and Sweden is Europe's longest land border, measuring approximately 1,630 kilometres.
The Swedish and Norwegian men's national football teams have met 112 times. Sweden has won 60 times and Norway 27 times. On 25 occasions, it has ended in a draw.
An estimated 80,000 Swedes live and work in Norway. Many also commute between the countries.
Source: TV4 Football Channel, Swedish Football Association, Government Offices, National Land Survey of Sweden.
