Riise backs Norway to win the World Cup after stunning Brazil in New Jersey

John Arne Riise has declared Norway capable of winning the World Cup, after Erling Haaland’s side defeated Brazil to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the country’s history. The former Liverpool and Norway left-back will be in the stands at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday when Norway face England, and says the Scandinavians should not be written off as potential champions.

Norway returned to the World Cup after a 28-year absence this summer and have exceeded all expectations, beating Senegal and Ivory Coast in the group stage before stunning Brazil in New Jersey. Haaland scored both goals in that win and led his team-mates in the now-iconic Viking rowing celebration on the pitch, with thousands of Norwegian supporters replicating it in the stands.

Riise, who never played at a World Cup as a player, says he is determined to join in the celebration at the quarter-final. “I haven’t done it yet because I’ve been watching the games in a quiet area,” he said. “But I’m going to the game this Saturday and I have to do it in the stands. I’m probably going to be sitting with other legends there, and when they do the rowing, I’m joining in.”

The 44-year-old also issued a pointed message to England, echoing the famous commentary of Bjørge Lillelien after Norway’s famous 1981 World Cup qualifying win over the Three Lions. “Hopefully, we can give England one hell of a beating,” Riise said. Norway have not lost to England in a competitive fixture since that day.

Despite acknowledging France as the tournament’s dominant force, Riise insists Norway’s run has changed his view of what is possible. “Before the World Cup started, I never thought we could win it — I thought a quarter-final spot would be our absolute maximum,” he admitted. “But the way they’ve played, the way they’ve carried themselves, and the way they’ve attacked every single game to get to where they are now is unbelievable. Yes, I believe we can win it. We are in the last eight, so everything is possible.”

England, meanwhile, face the prospect of a first World Cup quarter-final exit against a side that has arguably been one of the tournament’s most compelling stories, built almost entirely around the relentless goal-scoring of Haaland.