Wayne Rooney makes daring BBC forfeit promise for England quarter-final
Wayne Rooney has promised to perform the Viking Row in the River Mersey if Norway reach the quarter-finals by beating Brazil
Wayne Rooney could be left red-faced if Norway book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.(Image: BBC Sport)
Wayne Rooney has pledged to perform Norway’s iconic row if they defeat Brazil and reach the quarter-finals, potentially setting up a clash with England. The Manchester United and England legend vowed to execute the Viking Row in the River Mersey in the North West should they shock the record holders.
Erling Haaland netted the decisive goal late on as the Europeans squeezed past Ivory Coast in Dallas. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring to hand Stale Solbakken’s side the advantage on the stroke of half-time, but United’s Amad replied with a sublime individual effort to level matters.
The encounter appeared destined for extra-time until Haaland was perfectly positioned to guide home his 60th goal for Norway, becoming the quickest international striker ever to reach that milestone.
Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!
BBC presenter Gabby Logan quipped that Rooney had been rehearsing the post-match celebration, which has emerged as a breakout sensation from this summer’s World Cup, with the pundit making a bold commitment should Norway advance to the last eight.
“They’re preparing to do their iconic row. Wayne has been practicing; he hasn’t promised to deliver it tonight, but before the end of the tournament. If Norway end up beating Brazil, there is a possibility, if England get through, they’d face England,” Logan said.
Rooney responded: “If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I will go in the River Mersey and I’ll row down it.”.
Just as the Icelandic clap did at Euro 2016, Norway’s Viking Row has captivated the World Cup with supporters commanding attention through the remarkable spectacle.
It has since entered the mainstream with Martin Odegaard conducting the orchestra post-match while Ryder Cup star Viktor Hovland delivered his own version during his Traveller’s Championship PGA Tour triumph last weekend.
Conventionally, it begins with the sounding of a traditional Norse horn before everyone takes their place on the ground in a formation echoing a Viking longboat.
The leader strikes a drum, which has become integral to the chant at the World Cup throughout North America. The drumbeat commences slowly at first and accelerates with each strike while the supporters row their arms backwards in unison and chant, “row”.
Rooney, who has been a fixture for BBC since departing his role as Birmingham City manager in 2024, declares he will carry out the stunt in the River Mersey, a major waterway in the North West, should they overcome Brazil in the Round of 16.
The 40-year-old will discover his destiny following the clash on July 5 (8pm kick-off) when the two nations battle at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Rooney may well be praying that Haaland doesn’t shock Carlo Ancelotti’s squad and secure their passage to the quarter-finals. But should the FIFA-ranked 31st nation in the world manage to do so, the Everton academy product might be grateful that he’ll be compelled to fulfil his wager in the summer rather than winter when the Mersey’s temperatures nosedive.
In doing so, he wouldn’t be the first member of the BBC Sport presenting team to honour a pledge after Gary Lineker fronted Match of the Day in his underwear following Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League victory in 2016.
Logan said: “You heard that here first! It’s not exactly presenting Match of the Day in your underpants, but I think it’s a fairly good thing to commit to. I’m pretty sure we’ll hold you to that as well.”
