Norway moved significantly closer to securing their return to a World Cup finals with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Israel in their Nations League qualifier. The impressive performance was centred around Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who proved decisive with a crucial hat-trick.
The Manchester City striker, making his debut for Norway in 2019, showcased his form with three goals. Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz was the target for two penalties in the opening five minutes, saving the first attempt and requiring a retake for encroachment before blocking the second. Norway doubled their advantage with a neat right-footed finish from Alexander Sørloth.
Norway's third goal arrived with a touch of comedy when Peretz's clearance rebounded into his own net off defender Idan Nachmias. Haaland continued his goal scoring run, adding a towering header before completing his treble with a close-range nod from a cross by Antonio Nusa. The 25-year-old forward now boasts an international goal tally of 51 from 46 appearances, becoming the fastest player in history to reach 50 goals for his country.
- Haaland's Achievements:
- 51 Norway goals in 46 appearances (fastest ever).
- 6th hat-trick for Norway.
- Now just four goals behind the all-time men's international record held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The commanding win placed Norway in a strong position within Group I, their first major international tournament since 2000 and their first World Cup since 1998. The match saw a significant political backdrop, with a pre-game demonstration by a pro-Palestinian group marching towards the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.
This demonstration followed comments by Norwegian FA head Lise Klaveness calling for Israel's ban from international football, a stance supported by the FA's decision to donate match proceeds to Doctors Without Borders. The decision drew attention given the UN Commission of Inquiry's findings of genocide in Gaza, which Israel rejects.
Security was heightened, and stadium capacity reduced, despite Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire brokered by the US. Inside the ground, a Palestinian flag was reportedly displayed, an action that could attract scrutiny from UEFA.
Elsewhere in Group I, Italy maintained their qualification hopes with a 3-1 win over Estonia, cutting Norway's group lead to six points. Francesco Esposito scored Italy's second goal on his international debut. Italy host Israel next Tuesday, October 14th, while Norway faces Estonia on Thursday, November 13th, in the final round of matches.
The 2026 World Cup finals will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
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