Thanks to superstar Erling Haaland, Norway is about to take part in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. The former BVB goalscorer initially had a lot of trouble with Bayern keeper Daniel Peretz, who is currently on loan to HSV, in the Israeli goal, but he didn’t let that bother him – and broke the next historic mark.
On Saturday evening, Norway continued its impeccable record in World Cup qualifying, keeping the pressure on Italy high. Coach Stale Solbakken’s team celebrated their sixth win in their sixth game with an easy 5-0 (3-0) in Oslo.
Two own goals from Anan Khalaili (18th) and Idan Nachmias (28th) – each forced by Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa – as well as a hat-trick from Haaland (27th/63rd/72nd) ensured the favorite’s clear victory.
Haaland despairs of Peretz – and then strikes three times
For Haaland, who grabbed the ball after the final whistle, it was his sixth hat-trick in the Norway jersey, increasing his goal tally to 51, as well as his twelfth goal in the current World Cup qualifying campaign.
The game had started very badly for Manchester City’s goalgetter. Haaland failed twice from the penalty spot to Daniel Peretz (6th), who was loaned out from FC Bayern to Hamburger SV in the summer but is only number two there.
The first attempt had to be repeated because the Israeli keeper left the goal line too early.
Pro-Palestinian protests surrounding the game
The match was accompanied by pro-Palestinian protests. Hundreds of people took part in a demonstration in the Norwegian capital in advance, and strict security precautions were taken for the game at Ullevaal Stadium.
In front of the Norwegian association president Lise Klaveness, who had recently publicly called for Israel to be excluded from international football, a large Palestine flag adorned the home block before kick-off, the Israeli anthem was accompanied by a concert of whistles, and some spectators also demonstratively held up a red card.