After 28 years, Norway has officially qualified for the FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance since 1998. They secured a spot in the tournament by winning all eight matches in their qualification group. Notably, they defeated Italy 4-1 at home, a team that needed to achieve direct qualification through a playoff. Erling Haaland played a key role in Norway’s success, scoring two goals in this match. He has netted 16 goals in the eight World Cup qualifying matches. This season, Haaland has scored 32 goals in 19 games, bringing his total to 55 in 48 matches for his country.
Italy took the lead in the 11th minute through Francesco Esposito but struggled in the second half. In the 63rd minute, Antonio Nuss equalized for Norway with a goal assisted by Sørloth. Haaland put Norway ahead for the first time in the match with his goal from an assist by Oscar Bob, followed by another goal just a minute later from a pass by Thorsby, ensuring Norway’s victory. Strand-Larsen, who came on as a substitute, completed the scoring in injury time in the 93rd minute, benefiting from another Thorsby assist. This result leaves Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, seeking a way to qualify again after failing to do so in the last two tournaments.