Haaland shines, Norway continues to fly high in World Cup qualifiers

(NLDO) – Erling Haaland scored the only goal to help Norway defeat host Estonia, consolidating the top spot in Group H after four wins in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Traveling to Tallin to participate in the fourth match of Group H of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe, Norway is full of hope to win all 3 points against the not-so-strong host Estonia. Reality shows that the Nordic team's confidence is well-founded, especially when they own an effective attack and a striker who always knows how to shine at the right time like Erling Haaland.

Haaland and Odegaard after creating and scoring together

Estonia took the initiative to play a large defense in their home field from the first minutes, leaving the game to Norway. During the first 45 minutes, the ball almost only rolled on Estonia's field, but dangerous Norwegian strikers like Haaland or Sorloth did not have any opportunities of their own.

The decision to push the team up high in the second half made Estonia pay the price. In the 63rd minute, from a quick counter-attack by Norway, Martin Odegaard sent a long pass for Erling Haaland to run down. The Man City striker had to shoot twice before putting the ball into the Estonian net, scoring the only goal of the match.

Haaland faces pressure as Man City recruit Rayan Cherki and Florian Wirtz

Erling Haaland scored his fourth goal in four games, moving him level with Andrej Kramaric (Croatia) and Patrik Schick (Czech Republic) as the top scorer in the European qualifying group. Harry Kane (England) and Alexander Sorloth (Norway) were right behind him with three goals each.

Also in this group, Italy, after a humiliating 0-3 defeat to Norway in the opening match, somewhat saved their honor with a 2-0 victory over Moldova. Coach Luciano Spalletti's players still seemed to have not recovered from the shock three days ago, playing rather lacklusterly against Moldova. It's just a pity that the away team's strikers were too unlucky, otherwise the old "scenario" could have been repeated.

Italy beat Moldova but still have to say goodbye to coach Luciano Spalletti

Raspadori and Cambiasso scored for the home team Italy in each half, bringing home a valuable 2-0 victory at this time. The "Azzurri" rose to third place in Group H with 3 points after two matches, below both Israel (3 matches, 6 points) and Norway (4 matches, 12 points). After this match, the Italian team will officially say goodbye to coach Luciano Spalletti.

In Group I, the thrilling chase between hosts Belgium and Wales ended with a score of 4-3, with the decisive goal scored by Kevin de Bruyne for Belgium in the 88th minute. In this group, North Macedonia won 1-0 on the field of Kazakhstan, taking the top spot with 8 points after 4 matches. Belgium is 3 points behind the second-placed team Wales but has only played 2 matches with one draw and one win. The three-horse race in Group I promises to be extremely exciting in the upcoming matches.

Kevin de Bruyne scores the decisive goal in the Belgium - Wales match

In Group L, Croatia surprisingly defeated the top team Czech Republic with a score of 5-1 in a match that was not completely dominant in the first 45 minutes. Andrej Kramaric (2 goals) along with goals from Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Ante Budimir helped Croatia have a resounding victory in the second match, taking second place in the group after two consecutive wins in the opening two matches.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/haaland-toa-sang-na-uy-tiep-tuc-bay-cao-o-vong-loai-world-cup-2026-196250610074407264.htm