Erling Haaland, the striker for the Norwegian national football team, led the famous Viking clap celebrations, banging the drum in front of cheering crowds after the victory over Brazil. All players and fans danced in the stadium to the rhythm of their star after the team reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in history. In Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998, coach Ståle Solbakken, who was a midfielder on that team, led his country to an unprecedented run, inspired largely by the player he describes as "the best striker in the world." Haaland was born just weeks after Norway's last major tournament appearance, specifically at Euro 2000, and today he is leading his country to unprecedented achievements on the world's biggest football stage. Haaland said: "I think the way we played against Brazil showed that Norway is a great football team. We are indeed one of the best teams in Europe and the world, because what we have achieved is amazing, and it took 28 years." He added: "I'm only 25 years old, so you can't hold me responsible for that. It's incredible. I'm proud of my country, and proud of everyone." The Manchester City striker has won the English Premier League Golden Boot in three of the last four seasons, and although his scoring record with the Norwegian national team is impressive, perhaps the most notable is the way he has inspired his country to achieve things that once seemed out of reach. Haaland continued: "I dreamed of playing in the World Cup with Norway and getting them to the tournament, but I never expected to beat Brazil. To be honest, I thought some things were impossible, but it seems I was wrong." The player started the tournament by scoring a brace in the 4-1 win over Iraq, then scored two more goals in the 3-2 victory over Senegal, leading Norway to the knockout stages. Now it appears that Solbakken's decision to rest Haaland in the loss to France, amid extensive changes to the lineup, was the right one, as Norway is not only meeting expectations at this World Cup but also far exceeding them. As expected, Haaland scored the late goal that gave Norway the win over Ivory Coast in the round of 32 before repeating the feat against Brazil. The player added: "I think we are changing the nation, and I never dreamed of this. I feel like what is happening is like a fantasy." Haaland tops the tournament's scoring chart with seven goals in four matches, tied with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, 'the best' for his two crucial assists. The player's numbers are exceptional, with 62 goals in 54 international matches, plus a scoring streak in which he has found the net in 14 consecutive official matches for Norway (27 goals). Norway will face England in Miami on July 11, and the next opponent will not need reminding of Haaland's ability to turn a match in a single moment.