Haaland Shines as Norway Crushes Moldova in World Cup Qualifier

Oslo, Norway – In a stunning display of football brilliance, Erling Haaland led Norway to a remarkable 11-1 victory over Moldova in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, bringing his nation closer to a first World Cup appearance in 27 years. The Manchester City striker was unstoppable at Ullevaal Stadion, scoring five goals and assisting two others, showcasing why he is regarded as one of the world’s top forwards.

Haaland’s Incredible Performance

The 25-year-old striker, known for his incredible speed and clinical finishing, was in supreme form from the start. He assisted Felix Horn Myhre’s goal within the first six minutes, immediately setting the tone for Norway’s dominance. Haaland then went on to score three goals in just 32 minutes during the first half, leaving fans in awe of his skill and precision.

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His scoring did not stop there. Seven minutes into the second half, Haaland scored his fourth goal, and he completed his remarkable tally with a fifth goal in the 83rd minute. This performance brought his total in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers to nine goals, making him the leading scorer in the competition at this stage.

For Norway, this was historic. Haaland scored five goals in a single match for his country for the first time, although he has achieved similar feats twice for Manchester City. This extraordinary display reinforced his growing reputation as a player who can change the course of a match on his own.

Key Contributions from Teammates

Haaland was not alone in his brilliance. Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard played a crucial role, assisting two of Haaland’s goals and scoring one himself just before halftime. Odegaard’s creativity and vision helped Norway maintain a relentless attack, keeping Moldova under constant pressure.

In the second half, Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard came off the bench and made a massive impact by scoring four goals. Aasgaard’s performance demonstrated the depth of talent within the Norwegian squad and their ability to dominate even without relying solely on Haaland.

Norway’s defense also played a part, with only a single own goal by Leo Ostigard allowing Moldova to find the net in the 74th minute. Despite this brief moment of consolation for the visitors, Norway’s attack remained relentless, finishing with a historic 11 goals.

Norway’s Historic Win

This victory marks only the third time in history that Norway has scored 11 goals in a match. Their record remains a 12-0 victory over Finland in 1946. Norway’s commanding performance also equaled the record for the largest winning margin in a European World Cup qualifying match, previously set by Macedonia’s 11-1 victory over Liechtenstein in 1996.

With this win, Norway has now moved six points clear of Italy at the top of Group I. The team has won all five of their qualifying matches, showing consistency and determination in their campaign to reach the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Haaland’s Career Milestones

For Haaland, this match added several milestones to his already impressive career. He now has 48 goals in 45 appearances for Norway and recorded his fifth hat-trick for the national team. However, despite his extraordinary goal-scoring record, Haaland has never played for Norway at a major international tournament, as the country last appeared in the Euro 2000 and the 1998 World Cup finals.

His performance against Moldova demonstrates that he is ready to lead Norway into the World Cup and potentially make a deep run in the tournament. Fans and football experts alike will be watching closely to see how Haaland’s talent translates onto the global stage.

Upcoming Matches and Qualification Hopes

Norway’s coach, Stale Solbakken, will now focus on the upcoming fixtures. The team faces Israel and Estonia before a potentially decisive match against Italy on 16 November. Only the top team from Group I is guaranteed a place in the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up will have to go through play-offs to secure their spot.

Solbakken’s side has shown remarkable cohesion, attacking prowess, and defensive stability, suggesting they have the capability to top the group. Haaland, with his current form, will be central to Norway’s hopes of ending their 27-year absence from the World Cup.

The Impact on Norwegian Football

This victory is not only a personal triumph for Haaland but also a momentous occasion for Norwegian football. For decades, Norway has struggled to make a mark on the global stage, often overshadowed by football powerhouses in Europe. The team’s current form in the qualifiers gives hope to fans and young players across the country.

With talented players like Haaland, Odegaard, and Aasgaard, Norway now possesses a squad capable of competing with the best. Their attacking style, combined with disciplined defense, could make them a formidable team in the 2026 World Cup.

A Game to Remember

The match against Moldova will be remembered as one of Norway’s most dominant performances in modern football history. Haaland’s five-goal haul, Odegaard’s creativity, and Aasgaard’s explosive second-half display turned Ullevaal Stadion into a fortress of Norwegian football. Fans celebrated the team’s success, hopeful that their national team might finally break through onto the world stage.

As Norway continues its journey in the qualifiers, the focus will be on maintaining consistency and building momentum. With Haaland leading the attack and a team full of talent and determination, the dream of returning to the World Cup after 27 years is now more tangible than ever.

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