Erling Haaland netted a hat-trick as Norway demolished Israel 5-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday, moving the Scandinavians within touching distance of their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
The Manchester City striker became the fastest player in men’s international football to reach 50 goals for his country, achieving the milestone in just 46 appearances. He now has 51 goals for Norway, shattering England captain Harry Kane’s previous record of 71 matches.
Norway now top Group I with a commanding nine-point lead over second-placed Italy, who have two games in hand and were scheduled to face Estonia later on Saturday. The Norwegians, who have not featured at a major tournament since Euro 2000, will secure their place at next year’s finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with victory over Estonia on Tuesday, provided Italy fail to win both their matches against Estonia and Israel.
However, the match at Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadium got off to an unusual start for Haaland. The 25-year-old saw his penalty saved by Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. After the spot-kick was ordered to be retaken due to encroachment, Haaland aimed for the opposite corner, only for Peretz to parry it away once more.
Despite the setback, Norway broke through in the 18th minute when Anan Khalaili scored an own goal. Haaland then raced clear to find the net in his ninth consecutive international appearance, extending his remarkable scoring run.
The hosts grabbed their third goal just seconds after Israel kicked off again in the 28th minute. Peretz kicked the ball off Idan Nachmias, who was under pressure from Haaland, sending it into his own net for another own goal. Nachmias subsequently had to leave the pitch after colliding with the post.
Haaland added his second in the 63rd minute, powering home a header from Antonio Nusa’s cross. The striker completed his hat-trick with 18 minutes remaining, nodding in his third goal of the evening.
The prolific forward is now the leading scorer in European qualifying with 12 goals.
Before kick-off, hundreds of demonstrators attended a pro-Palestinian protest outside the stadium, chanting “Free Palestine” to oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza, according to AFP journalists at the scene.
Lise Klaveness, head of the Norwegian football association, recently stated she was pushing “for Israel to be sanctioned”.
Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Hungary defeated Armenia 2-0 in Group F, meaning Portugal could seal their qualification with back-to-back victories over the Republic of Ireland and Hungary. Portugal were facing the Republic of Ireland at home later on Saturday.
