EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey – Norway coach Stale Solbakken paid tribute to his players after an energy-sapping, nerve-jangling 2-1 win over Brazil on Sunday that sent them into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
Norway’s rowing celebration ?has become ubiquitous during the tournament, but it had to navigate shark-infested waters against the Brazilians, ?as well ?as survive a late penalty from Neymar deep into stoppage time that could ?have capsized the whole thing.
“This is a great group, they love being together, they train well, they help each other and protect each other,” Solbakken said. “We have a strong culture, and we give the opportunity to ?let people to be themselves and say whatever they want, and that’s a very important part of the whole ?thing, when things go well and when things go not so well.”
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.