Erling Haaland continued his devastating goal-scoring form with a hat-trick in Norway’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Israel in Oslo.
Haaland’s night did not get off to the best of starts as he saw his sixth-minute penalty saved by Daniel Peretz, who denied him again after the kick had to be retaken, but he more than made amends to make it 18 goals in his last nine games for club and country.
The Manchester City striker, who scored five times against Moldova on his last international appearance, scored Norway’s second between a pair of own goals from Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias.
One of the best strikers in the world, Haaland, winning his 46th cap, scored his 50th goal for his country when he nodded in Antonio Nusa’s cross and the pair combined again as the in-form forward grabbed his third of the night.
Victory for Norway gave them a sixth win from sixth in Group I as they edged closer to qualification for the World Cup, which Haaland spoke about after the game: “I don’t think I’ll say too much about that. I’m just focused on winning the next match. That was my mindset in the last game, and it still is now.”
The striker was then sent home to Manchester by Norway manager Staale Solbakken before they took on New Zealand in a friendly, which ended 1-1.
“Players with particularly tight match schedules are returning home,” a statement from the the Norwegian Football Association read. “Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjorkan. Felix Horn Myhre is leaving the squad due to a sore ankle.”
Haaland reacts to Norway 5-0 Israel
Haaland has never shared his opinion on the conflict between Palestine and Israel, but eagle eyed fans on social media believe they have found a cheeky dig at Israel on his Instagram story, on which he posted a selfie after the match against Ran Ben-Shimon’s team.
The 25 year-old posed with the match ball but included the City fans’ chant for him, which is titled “Haaland (Ha Ha Ha)”.
Israel’s participation in international sporting events has caused controversy due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, although it is hoped a recent ceasefire agreement will ease tensions in the region.
