Norway came through the group stage to reach the last 16 for the first time since 1998, with Haaland emerging as the team's 'hero,' the Liberty Times and United Daily reported.

Norway settled into the knockouts on strong physicality and fast counters, shaking off years of 'no titles' to show the promise of a new golden generation.

Next up: Brazil

In the last 16 Norway face favorites Brazil. On paper Brazil lead, but single-match knockouts carry big variables, with Haaland's finishing seen as decisive.

Norwegian football has invested steadily in league infrastructure and youth development; the result is judged an accumulated outcome, not a one-off upset.

Joy for Chinese football fans too

The World Cup is a stage enjoyed across nationality and language; for Chinese fans in Korea, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, it brings rich talking points. The language of cheering differs, but the cheer is one.

Sinophone Bridge Times sees sport as a 'shared narrative' beyond winning and losing; regardless of the next round, a stage 28 years in the making deserves applause.

A third lens

Sinophone Bridge Times takes no side for any team. We report the facts of the match and the players' effort, respecting readers' joy in cheering their own teams.