Erling Haaland delivered a commanding performance with three goals as Norway dominated Israel 5-0 on Saturday, moving within reach of their first World Cup appearance in over two decades.
The Manchester City forward surpassed 50 international goals faster than any player in men’s football history, reaching the milestone in just 46 matches. His tally now stands at 51 goals for the national team. England’s Harry Kane previously held the record, achieving 50 goals in 71 appearances.
Norway currently tops Group I with a nine-point cushion over second-place Italy, though the Italians have two matches remaining. The Scandinavian nation has not competed at a major tournament since the 2000 European Championship and last appeared at a World Cup in 1998.
A victory against Estonia on Tuesday would guarantee Norway’s qualification for next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, provided Italy drops points in either of their upcoming fixtures against Estonia or Israel.
Haaland leads all scorers in European qualifying with 12 goals so far in the campaign.
Before the match at Ullevaal Stadium, several hundred demonstrators gathered for a pro-Palestinian protest, calling for an end to hostilities in Gaza. Norwegian football association president Lise Klaveness has publicly advocated for sanctions against Israel.
The match began with an unusual sequence when Haaland’s initial penalty was stopped by Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. Officials ordered a retake due to encroachment, but Peretz denied Haaland again on the second attempt, sending his shot in the opposite direction away from danger.
Norway broke through in the 18th minute when Anan Khalaili inadvertently put the ball into his own net. Haaland then found the target himself moments later, extending his scoring streak to nine consecutive international matches.
The hosts extended their advantage in the 28th minute through another unfortunate mishap. Peretz kicked the ball against his teammate Idan Nachmias under pressure from Haaland, resulting in a second own goal. Nachmias subsequently left the match after colliding with the goalpost.
Haaland doubled his personal tally in the 63rd minute with a powerful header from Antonio Nusa’s delivery. He completed his hat-trick 18 minutes from time with another headed finish.
In other qualifying action, Hungary defeated Armenia 2-0 in Group F. Portugal can secure their place at the finals with consecutive victories over the Republic of Ireland and Hungary in their remaining fixtures.
