Norway began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Moldova. Erling Haaland was among the scorers, netting Norway's second goal.
This win placed Stale Solbakken's team at the top of Group I. The match took place at Stadionul Zimbru, where Julian Ryerson scored early in the fifth minute, setting the tone for a dominant first half.
Haaland's contribution was significant as he added to his impressive international tally. He has now scored 39 goals in 40 appearances for Norway. His performance included four shots, two of which were on target. Martin Odegaard also played a crucial role, orchestrating play with 102 touches and creating four chances.
Thelo Aasgaard increased Norway's lead by scoring the third goal, while Martin Odegaard assisted Alexander Sorloth for another. Aron Donnum completed the scoring midway through the second half. Despite missing Euro 2024, Norway is optimistic about qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, given that 48 teams will participate.
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Norway displayed an aggressive offensive strategy throughout the match. They managed to take 24 shots and generated opportunities worth nearly three expected goals. Odegaard was instrumental in this effort, supported by key passes from Ryerson and Sorloth.
This victory marks a promising start for Norway in their quest to reach a major tournament for the first time since 2000. With their attacking prowess and depth of talent, they are well-positioned to make an impact in upcoming qualifiers.
As Norway looks ahead to future matches, maintaining this level of performance will be crucial. Their strong start sets a positive tone for their World Cup qualification journey.