India, June 23 -- Seated in a Viking longboat formation in front of the goal post with the Metlife Stadium grandstand teeming with red-adorned supporters rising above their eyeline, Norway's footballers and staff patiently waited for the first beat of the drum.

Then came the motion - arms thrust forward, bodies moving in rhythm, as if they were pulling invisible oars through icy northern waters. With each synchronised row, the crowd roared louder, making it one of the most spontaneous and organic displays of solidarity, celebration and strength in recent World Cup history.

Before this, Norway's supporters had taken over Times Square, and an escalator at Boston. But this felt different. "I saw it online; it's gone completely viral," Erli...