Norway advanced to the elite division of the Nations League after defeating Kazakhstan 5-0, thanks to an outstanding performance by Erling Haaland, who scored a hat-trick. In just 39 international matches, the Manchester City forward has scored an amazing 38 goals, making him Norway’s all-time best scorer.
Haaland continued his goal-scoring streak this season, finishing with seven goals in six games to take the lead in the Nations League. He scored first after grabbing a rebound from Antonio Nusa’s attempt, and then he added a second with a header from Nusa’s cross.
Before halftime, Haaland completed his hat-trick with a crisp shot into the bottom corner after Sander Berge’s assist, and Alexander Sørloth increased Norway’s lead to 3-0. Antonio Nusa, a Leipzig teenager, scored the game’s fifth goal to cap off Norway’s outstanding display.
With their win, Norway moved up to the top of Group B3, surpassing Austria, who were only able to draw 1-1 with Slovenia. Austria was just minutes away from winning the group after Romano Schmid’s goal, but Adam Gnezda Cerin’s late equalizer ended their dreams.
Austria will now play a team that finished third in the top tier in a promotion-relegation play-off after Norway secured promotion. Haaland’s goal-scoring genius spearheaded Norway’s incredible performance, which represents a major advancement for the national squad.
