Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has turned up the heat on Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, demanding he honor a bizarre promise made before Norway's World Cup quarter-final clash with Brazil. Rooney had boldly told BBC Sport: "If Norway get to the quarter finals, I’ll go on the River Mersey and I’ll row down it."
Haaland's Response to Rooney's Claim
After Haaland's two second-half goals secured Norway's 2-0 victory over Brazil, the forward was quick to remind Rooney of his words. "I'm looking forward to seeing Wayne Rooney rowing down in Liverpool. Wayney boy," Haaland said with a smile. "That's all I want to see now. Wayne Rooney, I expect to see you go out on a rowing trip."
Rooney's Counter-Offer
Rather than backing down, Rooney doubled down. Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, he joked: "Was that me? I’m a man of my word. Micah [Richards] has agreed to do it with me. We’re a team. The only thing I’ll say is, because we’ve got a lot on, it might have to be the Hudson River when we’re in New York. If the BBC can sort that."
Norway's Viking Row Celebration
Throughout the World Cup, Norway fans have been seen performing a Viking row celebration, with players like captain Martin Odegaard and Haaland leading the chant on the pitch by banging a drum. The celebration has gone viral on social media.
Upcoming Quarter-Final: Norway vs England
Norway now faces England in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Miami. Haaland will go up against his City teammate Marc Guehi. When asked about facing Haaland, Guehi said: "I know he'll be up for it. It'll be a challenge, but it's good to see some familiar faces and try and do our best and try and get a win. It’s going to be fun, it will be fun."
