French striker Kylian Mbappe is in tremendous form this season. He is catching attention in both club and national jerseys. However, another star striker, Erling Haaland, is not lagging either. After Manchester City, he continued his excellent form in Norway's jersey as well.
With his dominance, Norway's chances of playing in the World Cup again after 28 years are becoming brighter. They defeated Israel 5-0 in the qualifying match. Haaland scored a hat-trick despite missing two penalties. Along with this, he completed 50 goals in his national jersey. He also set a new record.
Haaland set the record for reaching 50 goals in the fewest matches in men's international football. The 25-year-old striker set this record by playing 46 matches for Norway. In World Cup qualifiers, he now has 12 goals and 2 assists. However, after the match, Haaland's penalty misses were the most talked about. Norway got the chance to take the lead at home in just 8 minutes. They got a penalty in the 8th minute.
Israel's goalkeeper saved Haaland's first shot by diving to his right. However, the referee ordered a retake. In the second attempt, too, he saved Haaland's shot.
However, Norway shook off that failure and bounced back. In the 18th minute, they took the lead through Anan Khalaili's own goal. In the 27th minute, Haaland got his name on the scoresheet. He scored after receiving the ball from Sorloth.
In the very next minute, another own goal by Eidan Nakmias. The first half ended 3-0. Norway maintained their dominance in the second half as well. Haaland completed his hat-trick by scoring in the 63rd and 72nd minutes. In both cases, Antonio Nusa provided the assist for the goals.
By winning this match, Norway moved one step closer in the race to playing in the World Cup. With 18 points from 6 matches, they are at the top of the group. This is the first opportunity for Norway to qualify for the World Cup since 1998.
