Haaland scores twice as Norway beat Estonia 4-1 all but seal first World Cup spot in 28 years
Norway are all but there. For the first time in 28 years, the men’s national team stand on the brink of a World Cup return after doubles from Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth secured a comfortable, job-done victory over Estonia.
Ståle Solbakken’s side have now won seven from seven in qualifying and sit firmly on top of Group I — three points clear of Italy and an incredible 17 goals better off.
Italy did their part later on Thursday with a late 2–0 win over Moldova to stay mathematically alive, but overhauling Norway’s goal difference with just one match left looks close to impossible.
For a spell, though, it felt nervy. Norway created plenty in the first half but couldn’t find the finish they needed. That changed almost instantly after the break.
Sørloth rose highest to nod in the opener, then repeated the trick moments later with another thumping header to calm the nerves.
From there, it became the Haaland show. The Manchester City star powered in a header from Julian Ryerson’s delivery, then hammered home a second just seven minutes later to put the result beyond doubt.
Estonia grabbed a consolation through Robi Saarma’s driven strike, but it did little to dent the mood as Norway moved to the very edge of World Cup qualification for the first time since 1998.
For a moment it looked like the ticket would be confirmed on the night, with Italy labouring for 88 minutes against Moldova despite firing off 30 shots. But late goals from Gianluca Mancini and Pio Esposito mean Norway will have to wait just a little longer — though their return to the world stage now feels like only a formality.
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