Superb Norway charge on - plus wins for Italy and Portugal | OneFootball

Norway are closing in on a first World Cup finals appearance since 1998 after thrashing Israel 5-0 in Oslo.

The main headlines were, of course, inevitably written by Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian was looking to score in his tenth consecutive game, but before five minutes had elapsed, he had missed two penalties!

His first effort was saved, but the VAR spotted Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz was off his line and ordered a retake – that Haaland again saw saved.

However, Norway did score on 18 minutes, as Israeli midfielder Anan Khalaili headed Alexander Sorloth’s cross past his own keeper and nine minutes later, Haaland opened his account with a tidy right-footed finish.

Peretz then saw a clearance hit team-mate Idan Nachmias a minute later to give the hosts – featuring a lively Oscar Bobb – a 3-0 lead.

Haaland then added two headed goals on 62 and 73 minutes to complete the rout and move the Norwegians to the brink of automatic qualification for next summer’s World Cup.

“I don’t think I’m going to say much about [our World Cup chances],” said Haaland.

“I’m going to try to win the next game. That’s been my focus since the last game, and that’s my focus now.”

Norway are now guaranteed a play-off spot at the very least with only Italy able to stop their march to the USA, Canada and Mexico.

And the Azzurri still have the opportunity to snatch top spot after a 3-1 win away to Estonia.

Skipper Gianluigi Donnarumma, winning cap No.77 for his country, had little to do in a game the Italians dominated from start to finish.

Goals from Moise Kean (4 minutes) and Mateo Retegui (38) put Italy in control before rising star Francesco Pio Esposito sealed victory on 74.

Estonia pulled one back two minutes later through Sappinen - their first shot on target.

The win leaves Italy six points behind Norway with a game in hand - but a vastly inferior goal difference.

Elsewhere, Bernardo and Ruben Dias both started for Portugal against Republic of Ireland, with Matheus Nunes an unused sub on the bench.

After a goalless first 45 at the Estádio José Alvalade, the hosts - largely frustrated by a stoic Irish defensive display - were awarded a 78th-minute penalty.

But Brentford's Caoimhín Kelleher was equal to Cristiano Ronaldo's spot-kick.

However, Ruben Neves' added time winner gave the Portuguese a 1-0 win.