Soccer fans pack UNCG to welcome Norway ahead of World Cup
By Christian Petersen
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GREENSBORO, North Carolina (WXII) — Passionate soccer fans braved the heat Wednesday to watch some of the world’s best players take the pitch at UNCG.
The sold-out crowd welcomed the Norwegian National Soccer Team with cheers, Viking chants, and even Viking costumes, making Greensboro feel like a home away from home ahead of the World Cup.
“Why not represent their culture a little bit?” fan Megan Feeney said. “We’re super excited that they’re here, especially Haaland.”
Erling Haaland, nicknamed the “Striking Viking,” was one of the biggest draws for fans. Some came to see his world-class skills. Others admitted they were drawn to his looks.
“I like his hair and his tallness,” one fan said with a laugh.
For diehard soccer fans, the open practice was a rare chance to see top-level players train before heading to the sport’s biggest stage.
“Something like this means everything,” said Carter Robbins, executive director of Carolina Core FC. “It gives the younger players something to aspire to. It gives them an opportunity to watch the players at the highest level train before they go to the world’s biggest stage.”
Fan Zaryk Diem said he previously traveled to Norway to see his favorite players. This time, the trip was much shorter.
“It’s a very big pleasure being able to see them in basically my backyard,” Diem said.
The hot, humid Carolina weather was also part of the experience. Norway midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt said the team prepared with saunas back home, but the humidity in North Carolina was still different.
“I think we’re handling it well,” Thorstvedt said.
The team appeared to enjoy the open practice as much as the crowd did.
“We’ve been made to feel really welcome in Greensboro,” one player said.
Norway begins its World Cup run Tuesday against Iraq.
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