Erling Haaland delivered on the biggest night of his international career, scoring twice in two minutes as Norway booked their first World Cup spot since 1998 with a 4-1 dismantling of Italy.
Italy needed an absurd nine-goal win to steal top spot, and Pio Esposito’s early strike briefly ignited hope, but the Azzurri wasted their dominance and failed to add to their lead before half-time.
The second half belonged entirely to Norway. Antonio Nusa smashed in a brilliant equaliser before Haaland, quiet until then, exploded into life with a thunderous volley from Oscar Bobb’s cross.
Just moments later, he struck again, taking his tally to a phenomenal 16 goals in eight qualifiers.
Jørgen Strand Larsen sealed the dream night in stoppage time as Norway finally ended their 28-year absence from football’s biggest stage. For Haaland, qualification carries extra meaning, he now joins his father, Alf Inge Haaland, in representing Norway at a World Cup.
Italy, meanwhile, face another tense playoff path, a nightmare familiar after missing the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in successive heartbreaks.
