Erling Haaland returns home to hero's welcome, brings a £560 taxidermied raccoon with him, before joining Norway fans in one last Viking Row celebration to toast country's best ever World Cup run.
Hero's Welcome in Norway
The Norwegian team touched down at Oslo Airport on Monday afternoon to a heroes' welcome after their World Cup exploits. Erling Haaland, the star forward, curiously carried a stuffed raccoon in his luggage. The £560 taxidermied raccoon, known as the 'Whiskey Raccoon', was bought by Haaland from Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas, where he stopped off with the aim of buying a cowboy hat after Norway's last-32 win at the tournament. The store has gone big on Haaland's visit, with his image now adorning the front of their website.
A Bizarre Souvenir
Haaland's unusual souvenir, a taxidermied raccoon with its paws around an empty bottle of whiskey, has already been sold out on the store's website. The t-shirt on the website, which is now promoted with Haaland's image, costs £24.99. It reads 'Y'all can kiss my Dallas'. Haaland was pictured emerging from the plane carrying a Dolce & Gabbana bag over one shoulder, while carrying the stuffed raccoon in his left hand. The Norwegian team landed at Oslo Airport after travelling home following their 2-1 extra-time defeat by England in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Celebrations in Oslo
The Norwegian team was greeted by King Harald and Queen Sonja at the Royal Palace in Oslo. Haaland was seen shaking hands with the King. The squad are then expected to attend a public celebration at Slottsplassen, a square in the city of Oslo. Thousands of fans have already gathered in the square to welcome them home following the World Cup. Fans and the team performed a Viking Row, the rowing celebration which has become a vital feature of their World Cup campaign, with Crown Prince Haakon beating the drum.
Norway's Best Ever World Cup Run
Norway's dream run was ended by a Jude Bellingham double, with Haaland forced to watch the closing stages from the bench after being forced off before the second period of extra-time. Haaland had proved to be one of the stars of the tournament, scoring seven goals in five matches. The Manchester City forward had impressively delivered under high expectations to help Norway achieve their best World Cup performance to date, having returned to the tournament for the first time since 1998.
What's Next?
The celebrations in Oslo will continue with thousands of fans expected to turn out to welcome the team home. The squad will then travel by an open top bus through the capital city, performing a Viking Row along the way. The result of Norway's World Cup campaign may be over, but the team's legacy will live on in the hearts of their fans.
Source: Daily Mail