Haaland bags hat-trick as Norway thrash Israel, World Cup spot in sight | OneFootball

With another excellent performance from Erling Haaland, forward for Manchester City, Norway thrashed Israel 5-0 this Saturday at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, in the seventh round of Group I of the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

The standout was Haaland who, despite missing two penalty kicks, scored three times and led Norway to victory. The other two goals of the match were own goals: Khalili and Nachmias.

Norway rests in the next round and has only a friendly against New Zealand this Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. (Brasília time). Israel, in turn, visits Italy on the same day at 3:45 p.m., for the eighth round of the Qualifiers.

Standings situation

With the win, Norway all but secured its spot at the next World Cup. The Norwegians are outright leaders of Group I, with 18 points from six matches. Haaland and company can only be overtaken by Italy, who have nine fewer points but with four games played.

Photo: Publicity / @nff_landslag

Match highlights

First Half

The game began with Norway on the front foot, but it was a mixed start for star Erling Haaland. The referee awarded a penalty to the Norwegians, and the No. 9 took it, only to be stopped by goalkeeper Peretz. However, the Israeli player encroached and the referee ordered a retake. On the new attempt, Peretz stood tall again and saved Haaland’s shot once more.

Nevertheless, the hosts kept up the pressure and the goal was not long in coming. After a cross from Sorloth, Nusa challenged in the air with Khalaili, who, unfortunately, put it into his own net.

Later, in the 27th minute, Haaland redeemed himself for the penalties and scored Norway’s second. The No. 9 was played through and, with his right foot, extended the lead.

Just a minute later, riding the momentum from the second, Norway netted the third. Nusa won the ball and tried to find Haaland in the box. The ball stayed alive and goalkeeper Peretz blasted it off his own defender, resulting in another own goal.

Second Half

The second half started more balanced, but it didn’t take long for Norway’s fourth to arrive. In the 18th minute, Nusa crossed and Haaland rose well to head in his second of the game.

Finally, in the 27th minute, Haaland completed his hat-trick. On another cross, the striker benefited from a mishit exit by the goalkeeper and headed into the back of the net.

See other Qualifiers results this Saturday:

Hungary 2 x 0 Armenia Latvia 2 x 2 Andorra

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.