3 min learnNew DelhiJul 6, 2026 01:04 PM IST
Handing five-time World Champions Brazil their earliest World Cup exit since 1990 is just not probably the most daring factor Norway coach Stale Solbakken has executed in his life.
The 58-year-old, born on the banks of the longest Norwegian river Glomma, has cheated dying as soon as again in 2001 when he suffered a cardiac arrest and was clinically lifeless for seven minutes earlier than coming to life.
In Norse historical past, the Helgi cycle describes a heroic story the place names, love, and destiny appear to repeat throughout lives.
On Sunday, Solbakken proved that the Helgi cycle is greater than only a folklore. He defeated Brazil twice, as soon as in 1998 earlier than his close to dying expertise and second time within the Spherical of 16 of the 2026 FIFA WC.
The two-1 rating line was a repeat from the 1998 version when Norway had come again from 0-1 down and Solbakken was on the sidelines then additionally however as an unused substitute.
ALSO READ | The making of Haaland: How a tiny boy grew to become soccer’s final predator
5 instances World Champion Brazil has performed over 1000 worldwide matches and have confronted 88 opponents of their fabulous historical past however like each different nice sporting staff, they’ve an antidote, a kryptonite: The Vikings from the land of midnight solar.
Story continues under this advert
The Samba boys have performed Norway 5 instances within the worldwide area, drawing twice and shedding thrice.
“I feel that every one Norwegian residents are experiencing the night time of a lifetime,” Solbakken mentioned. “Some individuals say that we have now modified Norway ceaselessly. They’ll celebration for every week or so.”
However a few years earlier than he made historical past together with his bunch of vikings on Sunday, Solbakken suffered a ‘near-death’ expertise.
Lifeless for seven minutes
Enjoying for Danish aspect Copenhagen in 2001, Solbakken suffered a cardiac arrest on the coaching floor and was clinically lifeless as his coronary heart stopped beating for 12 minutes, as per Marca English.
Story continues under this advert
“My teammates noticed me collapse, die and are available again to life,” Solbakked advised Marca English. “My mom began organizing my funeral. At first they had been fearful about whether or not I’d survive; afterward, whether or not I’d endure mind harm. These had been the ideas tormenting my household.”
Then Copenhagen staff physician Frank Odgaard, carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation and exterior cardiac therapeutic massage on him till the ambulance arrived, after which used a defibrillator to restart his coronary heart.
The next day, he admitted that it was a miracle as Solbakken’s coronary heart stopped beating.
The day is erased from Solbakken’s reminiscence as he solely remembers regaining consciousness within the intensive care unit at Rigshospitalet.
Story continues under this advert
“At first I couldn’t see something, simply whole darkness. Then a lightweight blue appeared… let’s name it a tunnel. It was a gorgeous mild. Once they woke me up, I assumed: “Oh no, might I keep there slightly longer?”. I’ve no clarification for what I noticed,” Solbakken recalled.
When Norway confirmed the primary knockout look in 28 years after defeating Senegal earlier within the match, Solbakken rushed to the stands to search out his spouse Anniken.
After he discovered her, the previous midfielder passionately kissed her, 25 years after kissing dying.