NEW YORK, June 21 — Norway will be looking to build on their strong start in the World Cup, with Erling Haaland leading a trio of players who have extra motivation, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

The fathers of Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth and Kristian Thorstvedt played for the Norwegian team that was eliminated in the group stage of the 1994 World Cup in the United States (US). 

Following Norway’s impressive 4-1 opening victory over Iraq, the sons of Alf-Inge “Alfie” Haaland, Gøran Sørloth and Erik Thorstvedt are hoping to surpass their fathers’ achievement.

They continue on Monday against Senegal, where they could clinch a place in the knockout rounds.

Norway will complete the group stage on Friday against top contenders France.

The memories of 1994 are still present, and Haaland was amused when shown photos of his father from that time.

“He looks so young. I have never seen him with such long hair,” said Haaland, who has also followed in his father’s footsteps by playing for Manchester City.

Haaland is Norway’s biggest star, but Sørloth and Thorstvedt are also important players.

Atletico Madrid’s Sørloth recently said it was “simply great” to play a World Cup like his father, adding that “he has taught me everything I know about football.”

Sørloth said his first World Cup memory was of the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea, which took place while the family was on holiday in Denmark.

He recalled “how excited I was to watch the World Cup with my father.”

The class of 2026 is generating plenty of excitement in Norway.

They will have royal support on Monday in New Jersey, as heriditary Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, the children of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, are expected to attend. 

The rowing routine of their fans, who draw on their Viking ancestry, has even spread to Norway’s parliament, where MPs from all parties took part in the show of support for the team on Thursday. — Bernama-dpa

- Alyssa Gorraiz posted a photo:

A photo of a woman standing in between an older man and woman waiting outside of a church for a potential wedding. These people are unidentified. Photo was likely taken in France, the Basque Country or Spain.