Erling Haaland made history as Norway defeated arch-rivals Denmark 3-2 in a five-goal thriller in Oslo to open their Nations League campaign.
Haaland scored twice to take his international tally to 65 goals in just 57 caps, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s record for fastest to 65 international goals.
Match Timeline
14′ 1-0 Oscar Bobb latched onto a Martin Odegaard through ball and finished calmly past Kasper Schmeichel.
18′ 2-0 Haaland opened his account, tapping in from Antonio Nusa’s cutback after a sweeping Norway move.
25′ 2-1 Mikkel Damsgaard pulled one back with a stunning 25-yard free-kick that flew into the top corner.
60′ 2-2 Rasmus Hojlund equalized with a powerful header from a Damsgaard corner, rising above Kristoffer Ajer.
74′ 3-2 Haaland winner. Norway worked a short corner, Odegaard found Haaland who smashed into the roof of the net from close range.
Key Stats
Haaland had six shots, four on target. Norway had an xG of 2.1 vs Denmark’s 1.4. Denmark had 58% possession but were cut open on transitions.
Norway boss Stale Solbakken said after: “Erling is a monster. He decides big games.”
Denmark, under new coach, now have lost three of their last four matches. They face Portugal next – a must-win fixture.
What It Means
Norway’s win puts them level on points with Portugal in Group A4, setting up a tantalizing October clash. For Denmark, the pressure mounts on their new manager as they face a Portugal side brimming with confidence.
Haaland’s record continues to rewrite the history books. At just 26, he has already surpassed some of the game’s greatest strikers in international goal-scoring efficiency.
