After netting twice in 4-1 victory over Italy to confirm Norway’s World Cup spot after 28 years, skipper Erling Haaland reveals there was immense pressure to deliver
Norway captain Erling Haaland (centre) celebrates his goal against Italy with teammates in Milan on Sunday. Pic/AFP
Norway qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 after Erling Haaland struck again in a 4-1 thumping of Italy on Sunday which sealed a spot in next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Haaland scored the decisive brace in the space of seconds at a soaking San Siro for Norway, who completed Group I with a perfect 24 points from their eight qualifying matches. Norway would have had to lose by nine goals or more in order to be overtaken by Italy for the group’s only automatic place for next summer’s finals in North America, but Stale Solbakken’s side ended their campaign in glorious fashion in front of 70,000 people.
However, Solbakken was coy as to his powerful team’s chances now that a 28-year wait has come to an end. “Let’s see the draw first... I haven’t even thought about it. For me, it [tonight] was to go from 99 per cent to 100 per cent and now we have done it in a great way. Let’s see what the draw brings before we go into those questions,” Solbakken told reporters. “I’m happy, but more relieved. There’s a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it’s fun,” Haaland, who netted 16 goals across the campaign, told TV 2. The 25-year-old is averaging more than a goal a game for club and country this season and was typically ruthless when presented with his opportunities to both put Norway ahead and then double their lead (78th and 79th minute).
Italy head into playoffs
Israel beat Moldova 4-1 but finished six points adrift of second-placed Italy, who go into the playoffs. France booked their place in next year’s tournament with a win over Ukraine earlier in the week, and a much-changed side concluded their campaign with a 3-1 win in Azerbaijan. Ukraine saw off Iceland 2-0 thanks to two strikes i from Oleksandr Zubkov and Oleksii Hutsuliak in Group D.
Kane stars for England
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel’s England completed a perfect group-stage performance, beating Albania 2-0 to finish their campaign with a 100 per cent record, featuring 22 goals scored and zero conceded — a European record for a team playing at least six qualifying matches. “When you look at the starting 11, the players coming off the bench, we’re going to go into the tournament as one of the favourites,” Harry Kane, who scored both England goals, told ITV.
16
No. of goals scored by Erling Haaland across this World Cup qualifying campaign
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