Norway earned a strong 5-0 win over Israel in their World Cup qualifier. It was their sixth win in this campaign and their ninth in a row, a new national record.
Israel set up with five defenders, but Norway were quick to threaten. In just the second minute, Erling Haaland had a shot, and after a foul on Patrick Berg, Norway were awarded a penalty. Haaland’s first attempt was saved, but encroachment meant it had to be retaken, and he scored at the second try.
Israel had a couple of chances through Anan Khalaili, but he failed to hit the target. Soon after, a cross from Alexander Sørloth deflected off Khalaili and into his own net for 2-0. Just minutes later, Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz accidentally kicked the ball into his teammate Idan Nachmias, resulting in another own goal and a 3-0 scoreline. Nachmias was injured and had to go off.
Norway stayed in full control after half-time. Despite a few promising moments from Manor Solomon and Dan Biton, Israel rarely threatened. Just after the hour, Antonio Nusa set up Haaland for a powerful header – his 50th international goal, making it 4-0. Nusa assisted again soon after, with Haaland heading in once more to complete his hat-trick and seal a 5-0 victory.
The result keeps Israel outside the top two in Group I, making World Cup qualification even more difficult.
