Star duo: Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland led Norway to victory over Israel
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Martin Odegaard provided a hat-trick of assists as Norway eased to a World Cup qualifying win over Israel, with the Arsenal star hailed as “one of the world’s best footballers”.
Norway beat Israel 4-2 on Tuesday night, backing up a 5-0 victory over Moldova in their opening match of the qualifying campaign.
Odegaard was at the heart of things in attack, setting up goals for David Moller Wolfe and Alexander Sorloth, before combining with Erling Haaland late on to cap a superb performance.
Asked about Odegaard aftere the match, Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup was full of praise for his Norway team-mate.
“He is one of the world's best footballers,” Schjelderup told VG.
“The way he moves and plays football, you just have to enjoy it."
Sorloth, who also had a goal assisted by Odegaard in the win over Moldova, added: “He is fantastic. Three assists speak for themselves and he is fantastic to play with on the right side."
Norway sit top of Group I after a perfect start to qualifying, but there are sterner tests to come later in the season.
Read More
Arsenal injury update: Saka, Calafiori and Timber latest return dates
Arsenal injury update: Saka, Calafiori and Timber latest return dates
Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal boost; Liverpool to sign Trent replacement
Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal boost; Liverpool to sign Trent replacement
Three key issues Real Madrid must address before Arsenal showdown
Three key issues Real Madrid must address before Arsenal showdown
Sponsored
Enter the AXA Startup Angel competition to win £25,000
Enter the AXA Startup Angel competition to win £25,000
They host Italy, who have not yet started their qualifying campaign due to their involvement in the knockout stages of the Nations League, in June, before travelling to take on Estonia three days later.
Norway have not appeared at a World Cup since 1998, but Odegaard is confident the long wait will finally end next year.
“We have a lot of faith in what we are doing,” he said.
“We have developed a very good basic game. We have become much better offensively. We can score goals and create things in many different ways. Then I will also come into my own more.”