Erling Haaland has been a goalscoring robot for several years now, but he showed a human side after bagging five goals in Norway's 11-1 demolition of Moldova. The Manchester City striker took his overall tally to nine goals in five World Cup qualifying games.
The 25-year-old had netted a hat-trick by the 43rd minute to make it four-nil before adding another two goals in the second half. It was a mauling for Stale Solbakken's men, who moved six points clear of Italy at the top of their qualifying table.
Moldova goalkeeper Cristian Avram was the poor soul who was forced to pick the ball out of his net on eleven occasions at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo. But he was supported through the Norweigan tormented by Haaland, who seemingly felt some guilt.
What Haaland Said To Moldova Goalkeeper
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Norway handed Moldova their worst defeat since an 8-0 loss to Denmark back in March 2021, which Avram missed before debuting for his nation three months later. He has been through many nights to forget, but the visit to Oslo is one he'll not want to make again.
Avram has revealed that Haaland was apologetic after the match and explained why Solbakken's were so ruthless (via Mail Sport): "He said it wasn’t my fault. He was apologising to me for rushing after every goal. He said they had to keep going because of the goal difference."
The 31-year-old has now conceded 37 goals in 15 international appearances with 16 of those coming against Norway. Their veteran shot-stopper was on the bench for a 5-0 home loss back in March in which Haaland was also on target.
Haaland Firing Norway To The World Cup
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Haaland was one of the most noticable absentees from last summer's European Championships after Norway failed to qualify for the international tournament. In fact, fans haven't seen the City frontman appear in a major international competition, but that could soon change.
Landslaget have a perfect record of five wins from as many games and sit top of their qualifying group on 15 points. They are six points clear of second-placed Italy and are edging ever closer to next summer's World Cup.
It would be the first time the Norweigans have qualified for the illustrious tournament since 1998 and Haaland isn't the only player eager to experience football on such a stage. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard who was also on target in the win over Moldova has yet to play at either a European Championship or World Cup.