Erling Haaland starred for Norway as his side thrashed Moldova 11-1 in Oslo.
The Manchester City number nine scored five goals while also providing two assists as Stale Solbakken’s side have a flawless record in their pursuit to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Erling Haaland’s finishing was immaculate on the day as he took seven shots on target and scored five.
Kylian Mbappe lauded Haaland recently and it is easy to see why he commands respect across world football when witnessing the 25-year-old perform at such a high level.
Norway’s media claim Erling Haaland’s goal record will remain unbeaten after masterclass vs Moldova
The country’s media outlets were full of praise for Haaland, who doubted Norway’s chances at the World Cup in terms of ever winning the competition but based on their drubbing of Moldova, perhaps he should be quietly confident.
The Leeds-born striker has 48 goals in 45 games for his nation, which highlights how lethal he is at international level as well.
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Nettavisen gave Haaland a 10/10 match rating after his heroics against Moldova and predicted that his goal tally for Norway will never be surpassed.
Norway's forward Erling Braut Haaland (L) and celebrates the 3-0 goal with Norway's midfielder Martin Ødegaard during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group I football match between Norway and Moldova
Photo by FREDRIK VARFJELL/NTB/AFP via Getty Images
“Man. On. A. Mission. Ullevaal and Norway have never seen a better player and against Moldova, he was so much better than his opponents that it’s almost unfair. A hat-trick at half-time and four goals before the hour mark are numbers you usually only see on Ultimate Team on FIFA [now called FC]. A lot to highlight, but the chip after going off the keeper at 4-0 was hard to believe. Four and eventually also five goals means 48 national team goals in 45 matches. These are numbers no one else will ever match.”
“Arranging a World Cup next year without him feels almost criminal. Seven goal points in one match after an assist in overtime. Unbelievable.”
Martin Odegaard hailed Haaland by naming him as Norway’s greatest sportsperson and Dagbladet would perhaps agree, as they also gave him a 10/10 match rating after he tore Moldova’s defence to shreds: “Crazy game! Scored a hat-trick before half-time and ravaged the visitors from Moldova. Followed up with two goals after half-time. Wow, wow, wow!”
Erling Haaland stats for Norway vs Moldova
Manchester City supporters will be hoping that the star striker can boss proceedings against Manchester United on the weekend as well.
With Omar Marmoush suffering a knee injury, the former Borussia Dortmund goalscorer may be relied upon even more than usual by City to put the ball in the back of the net.
Judging by his stats, it is easy to see why Norway’s media sang Haaland’s praises against Moldova.
ERLING HAALAND’S STATS VS MOLDOVA
GOALS 5
ASSISTS 2
TOTAL SHOTS 10
SHOTS ON TARGET 7/10 (70%)
BIG CHANCES MISSED 3
HIT WOODWORK 1
TOUCHES 38
DUELS WON 5/7
The Norwegian vice-captain even managed to win five out of his seven duels and on another day, he could have scored more goals as he missed three chances and struck the woodwork.
Haaland is truly a special player and the World Cup next year will be an even more exciting competition to tune into if it is graced by the presence of the two-time Premier League winner.