The marriage between Misa and Erling Haaland was the perfect balance.

Before they were husband and wife, they were best friends. They constantly teased each other, laughed about everything, and always supported each other. When they wore the Norway jersey, however, they were simply two captains with different responsibilities.

Erling led the men's national team.

Misa was the captain of the women's national team.

That's why Erling never tried to give her tactical advice or interfere in the team's decisions. That group belonged to Misa, and he was merely its proudest fan.

After the last training session before the semifinal, Misa dismissed her teammates.

"Recovery, shower, and in half an hour everyone back in the video room."

"Yes, captain!" the girls replied.

A little further away, some players from the men's national team were watching the scene.

Martin Ødegaard smiled.

"Every time you make that noise, I want to run."

"It's the effect it has on everyone," Alexander Sørloth added, laughing.

Misa crossed her arms.

"Do you want to run a few laps too, Martin?"

"No, thanks. I'm concerned about my health."

Everyone burst out laughing.

Erling, standing aside, waited for the group to disperse before approaching.

"Finished scaring half the federation?" he said with a faint smile.

"Very witty."

"It was a compliment."

She laughed, shaking her head.

He handed her an already opened bottle of water.

"Are you ready?"

"Always."

Erling nodded.

"I thought so."

He touched her hand for a moment and, before walking away, placed a quick kiss in her hair.

"See you later."

---

A few days later, Norway defeated England 4-3, clinching a spot in the World Cup final.

Between interviews, photographs, and celebrations, Misa was one of the last to leave the stadium.

Outside the entrance, waiting for her wasn't just Erling.

With him were Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, and several other teammates from the men's national team. They were all now close friends with Misa, and none of them would miss the opportunity to celebrate this milestone.

As soon as they saw her leave, they began to applaud.

"There's our captain!" exclaimed Sørloth.

"You wasted ten years of our lives with that match," laughed Ødegaard.

"It was worth it." Misa replied, still smiling.

Then her gaze found Erling.

"Erling!"

She ran toward him and literally jumped on him.

He caught her without hesitation, laughing.

"I think it went pretty well."

"We're in the final!"

She kissed him without thinking twice, still reeling from the adrenaline of the match.

Nusa's voice came from behind them.

"Give her two minutes, guys."

"Yeah, but then we want to see the cup up close!" Ødegaard added amidst laughter from the group.

When they separated, Erling rested his forehead against Misa's and smiled.

"I'm really proud of you."

Then he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You deserved it."

"Captain!" her teammates called from afar.

Misa smiled at Erling one last time, greeted the men's national team with pats on the back and jokes, then returned to her team.

Norway was in the final.