Haaland Hat-Trick Leads Norway’s Dominant Win Over Israel Amid Protests
Erling Haaland showcased his extraordinary talent with a hat-trick as Norway defeated Israel 5-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. The match, held at Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadium, brought Norway closer to qualifying for the World Cup, their first since 1998.
Protests Surrounding the Match
Prior to kickoff, a significant pro-Palestine demonstration took place outside the stadium. Hundreds gathered, chanting “Free Palestine” in response to ongoing violence in Gaza. According to AFP reports, Norwegian police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and made several arrests.
Match Overview
Norway dominated the match, taking control early. Haaland, who has now scored 51 international goals in just 46 appearances, became the fastest player to reach 50 goals for his country. He had a challenging start, with his initial penalty saved by Israel’s goalkeeper, Daniel Peretz. The penalty was retaken, but Peretz managed another save.
- 18th minute: Norway scored from an own goal by Anan Khalaili.
- Second goal: Haaland found the net after a clear run.
- Third goal: Idan Nachmias also scored an own goal.
- Fourth: Haaland netted a powerful header.
- Fifth: He completed his hat-trick with just 18 minutes left.
Group Standings and Future Matches
With this victory, Norway now leads Group I with 18 points, significantly ahead of second-placed Italy. Italy defeated Estonia 3-1 in their match, which keeps their World Cup hopes alive. Conversely, Israel faces a critical match against Italy in Udine and must win to maintain their qualifications chances.
Haaland’s outstanding performance not only highlights his prolific scoring ability but also sets the tone for Norway’s campaign as they strive for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
