Norway stormed to a 5-0 win over Moldova in their opening World Cup qualifier, with Erling Haaland on target.
Haaland grabbed Norway's second goal in Saturday's rout, as Stale Solbakken's team moved top of Group I.
The Manchester City star added to Julian Ryerson's fifth-minute opener at Stadionul Zimbru, where Norway went 4-0 up before half-time.
Thelo Aasgaard scored Norway's third and Martin Odegaard laid on an assist for Alexander Sorloth.
Aron Donnum got in on the act midway through the second half.
Norway missed out on Euro 2024 despite having a squad stacked with attacking talent, but with 48 teams able to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Solbakken's team should fancy their chances of featuring at a major tournament for the first time since 2000.
Data Debrief: Haaland gets going
Haaland has now scored 39 international goals in just 40 appearances for his country.
He has scored in each of his past four World Cup qualifiers, netting six times across that run of appearances.
Unsurprisingly, he finished the game with the most shots (four) and shots on target (two).
Behind Haaland, Odegaard pulled the strings as Norway had 24 shots and accumulated chances worthy of 2.95 expected goals. The Arsenal playmaker had 102 touches and created four chances, with Ryerson and Sorloth also contributing as many key passes.
ZionHag
0
that is why United is not successful, they think names is what wins you trophies, when infact the team is what wins. having array of talents at your disposal is no guarantee of success.
Am a Manchester United fan, no true United fan knowing our history with players like Fletcher, Ji Sung Park, Anderson, O’Shea, Kleberson n many more will understand it’s not all about world class players
ZionHag
0
So why don’t you know all their names as they are all world class players and don’t play for the top teams..
So in ur opinion, the Norwegian national team is all about Sorloth, Haaland and Odeegard… but am pointing out to u that they have good players who play in good clubs… they don’t just add up to the numbers.. if u check the performance of Ryerson yesterday u will understand..anyways I can’t begrudge u it’s ur opinion
Daphoenix23
0
Do ur checks well fellow Muncunian…. Berge plays for Fulham…Ryerson plays for Dortmund, their Centre backs plays for Hoffenheim and Brentford… Left wing player players for Benfica n left back plays for AZ Alkmaar This team doesn’t lack good players at all
So why don’t you know all their names as they are all world class players and don’t play for the top teams..
D-Maestreo
0
Squad still not good enough… Just a few names here and there.. Haaland, Sorloth and Odegaard… the rest are just to make up the numbers
that is why United is not successful, they think names is what wins you trophies, when infact the team is what wins. having array of talents at your disposal is no guarantee of success.
ZionHag
1
Squad still not good enough… Just a few names here and there.. Haaland, Sorloth and Odegaard… the rest are just to make up the numbers
Do ur checks well fellow Muncunian…. Berge plays for Fulham…Ryerson plays for Dortmund, their Centre backs plays for Hoffenheim and Brentford… Left wing player players for Benfica n left back plays for AZ Alkmaar This team doesn’t lack good players at all
Daphoenix23
2
Squad still not good enough… Just a few names here and there.. Haaland, Sorloth and Odegaard… the rest are just to make up the numbers
Maubcptuyz
0
I hope you keep it up and make it to the World Cup..
Litelntz
2
wow 39goals in 40international appearances that's about 1goal per match....yet some naysayers still saying naay hooray for haaland the striking viking
fezbcmnpsu
0
Norway can go places with this squad