October 11, (THEWILL) — Norway’s hitman, Erling Haaland, fired a hat-trick to power his side to a 5-0 demolition of Israel in World Cup qualifying, maintaining their flawless campaign. The Manchester City striker saw Daniel Peretz save two penalties inside the opening minutes, yet still found the net three times to underline his clinical edge at the international level.
Israel goalkeeper, Peretz, initially dived right to deny Haaland from the spot after Dan Biton fouled Patrick Berg in the third minute. VAR ordered a retake for encroachment, but Peretz guessed correctly again despite the striker switching direction. Norway’s dominance soon told when Alexander Sorloth’s cross deflected off Anan Khalaili and looped over the helpless keeper to break the deadlock in the 18th minute.
Haaland doubled the advantage just 60 seconds after Biton had threatened at the other end, finishing coolly on the counter after Sorloth’s pass. The visitors conceded a bizarre third when Peretz’s hurried clearance cannoned off Idan Nachmias and into the net, with the defender then forced off injured following a collision with the post.
The second half brought no relief for Israel. Haaland climbed highest to convert two Antonio Nusa crosses from the left flank, completing his treble and taking his tally to five goals in three qualifying matches. Substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen had a sixth ruled out for offside late on, but Norway had long since claimed all three points.
The result leaves Norway top of Group I and waiting to see whether Italy can match their momentum when they travel to Estonia later on Saturday. Manager Stale Solbakken will be pleased with the ruthless display, even if his star striker needed three attempts to beat Peretz from 12 yards.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
