Norway's forward Erling Braut Haaland (L) and celebrates the 3-0 goal with Norway's midfielder Martin Odegaard during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group I football match between Norway and Moldova on September 9, 2025 in Oslo, Norway.placeholder image
Norway's forward Erling Braut Haaland (L) and celebrates the 3-0 goal with Norway's midfielder Martin Odegaard during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group I football match between Norway and Moldova on September 9, 2025 in Oslo, Norway. | NTB/AFP via Getty Images
There was plenty of joy for Norway on Tuesday night as they took a huge step towards the 2026 World Cup
Martin Odegaard and Norway took a huge step towards reaching the 2026 World Cup in Canada, United States and Mexico with an emphatic 11-1 win over Moldova on Tuesday night.
Felix Horn Myhre opened the scoring after six minutes to get the thumping win off to a strong start while the other four goals came via substitute Thelo Aasgaard. The win put Norway six points clear of Italy with three games remaining in Group I of UEFA’s qualification process.
The 10-goal victory also pushed Norway’s goal difference to an astonishing 21, which is 16 better than Italy’s. It effectively means that Odegaard and the rest of his international teammates only need one win to secure their spot at next summer’s tournament.
Martin Odegaard on playing with Erling Haaland
Odegaard and Haaland have been fierce rivals at club level, with Arsenal and Manchester City going toe-to-toe for the Premier League title in two of the last three seasons. City came out on top in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
The Gunners did finish above City last term but were still placed second after Liverpool were crowned champions. Speaking about playing with Haaland at international level, Odegaard said, via Norway newspaper VG: “It's a dream to play with him. I know he times the runs perfectly. Then it's just a matter of hitting, and then it mostly goes to the finish when he gets it.”
Odegaard provided two assists for Haaland on Tuesday night in the 11-1 hammering. The pair have played together 39 times for Norway and have combined four for goals in Norway’s last five games. Haaland himself now has 48 goals in 45 games for Norway and became the first player to score five goals in a single game for the country since 1948.
Sander Berge hails ‘world’s best’ Odegaard and Haaland
While Odegaard reserved his special praise for Haaland, Fulham midfielder Sander Berge made sure Odegaard received credit for his performance. Speaking about Odegaard and Haaland, he also spoke to VG and said: “These are two of the world's best footballers.
“When they do it in the Premier League, you almost expect them to do it when they get so much space. There are some sick goals of course, but they are on that shelf. Then you just have to enjoy yourself and watch.”
Berge played the full game for Norway and created three chances during the game, although none where put away. He did a great job of retaining possession with 100 per cent dribble success rate and a 93 per cent pass success rate. He also successfully played three out of three long balls.
Continue Reading