Haaland hits hat-trick as Norway crush Israel 5-0 amid protests and tight security
OSLO, Oct 11 — Norway moved to the brink of World Cup qualification with a commanding 5-0 victory over Israel on Saturday, as Erling Haaland marked his 50th international goal with a scintillating hat-trick in front of a tense, politically charged crowd in Oslo.
The win extended Norway’s perfect record in Group I to six victories from six matches, giving them a nine-point lead over second-placed Italy, who have two games in hand. With a goal difference of +26, Norway look set to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Heightened Security and Political Tension
Security was heavily reinforced around Ullevaal Stadium ahead of kickoff, with Norwegian authorities restricting access to sections housing roughly 100 Israeli supporters. The match unfolded against the backdrop of widespread protests over Israel’s participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Norwegian parliament and later marched toward the stadium, waving flags, lighting flares, and chanting in solidarity with Gaza. As Israel’s national anthem played, loud boos rang out from sections of the crowd, while large Palestinian flags and banners reading “Let children live” were displayed in the stands.
Early Chaos, Then Norwegian Dominance
The opening minutes were turbulent. Haaland was denied twice from the penalty spot by Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz after the first save led to a retake. A brief interruption followed when a pitch invader ran onto the field.
Norway eventually broke through in the 18th minute when Alexander Sørloth’s cross deflected off Israeli forward Anan Khalaili for an own goal. Sørloth then set up Haaland for Norway’s second in the 27th minute before another defensive mishap—this time an own goal from Idan Nachmias—made it 3-0 just a minute later.
Haaland’s Historic Night
In the second half, Haaland found his rhythm, heading home from Antonio Nusa’s cross in the 63rd minute to notch his 50th international goal. Nine minutes later, the Manchester City striker repeated the feat with a near-identical header to complete his hat-trick and bring his tally to 51 goals in just 46 appearances.
As the final whistle blew, jubilant Norwegian fans remained in the stands, chanting “Norway will go to the World Cup” to the tune of Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
“We still have two matches left to go,” Nusa told TV2. “It’s great to execute such a solid game today. There’s still work to do, but for now, we’ll enjoy this moment.”
