By Peterside Rejoice
Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland, on Saturday, scored a sensational hat-trick as Norway hammered Israel 5–0 in Oslo, moving a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The victory not only strengthened Norway’s lead at the top of Group I but also saw Haaland achieve a new record becoming the fastest player in men’s international football history to reach 50 goals for his country. He now boasts 51 goals in just 46 appearances for the Scandinavian nation.
Norway, who last featured at a major tournament in Euro 2000, are now nine points ahead of second-placed Italy, who have two games in hand and were due to play Estonia later on Saturday.
The Norwegians could seal their first World Cup qualification since France ’98 with a win over Estonia on Tuesday if Italy fail to pick up maximum points in their next two fixtures.
Despite missing two early penalties saved by Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, Haaland made his mark shortly after, contributing to an own goal by Anan Khalaili in the 18th minute before finding the back of the net himself to double Norway’s lead.
Moments later, another own goal from Idan Nachmias, pressured by Haaland, gave Norway a comfortable 3–0 lead before half-time. Haaland added two more goals in the second half abel= style a powerful header from Antonio Nusa’s cross and another close-range effort completing his hat-trick in the 72nd minute.
The result further cements Haaland’s position as the leading scorer in the European qualifiers with 12 goals so far.
Ahead of kick-off, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, chanting “Free Palestine” in protest against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The Norwegian Football Association President, Lise Klaveness, recently called for Israel to face sanctions.
In other qualifying matches, Hungary defeated Armenia 2–0 in Group F, while Portugal could confirm qualification with back-to-back wins against the Republic of Ireland and Hungary.
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