Key Takeaways:
- Erling Haaland scored five goals as Norway overwhelmed Moldova 11-1 in Oslo on Tuesday.
- The result preserved Norway’s perfect start in Group I, securing a fifth consecutive qualifying win
- Manchester City striker Haaland apologised to Moldova’s Cristian Avram after the match for his relentless pursuit of goals
Match Analysis: Norway Dominate World Cup Qualifier
Norway delivered a commanding performance in Oslo, thrashing Moldova 11-1 in a World Cup qualifying encounter that further cemented their position at the summit of Group I. Erling Haaland led the assault with an extraordinary five goals, taking his international tally to 48. The hosts, under manager Stale Solbakken, maintained their 100 percent record in qualifying, having triumphed in each of their opening five fixtures.
This emphatic result extended Norway’s control of the group standings, putting them in a favourable position as the qualification campaign progresses. Moldova’s heavy loss marked their worst defeat since an 8-0 reverse against Denmark in 2018.
🤣🤣 𝗛𝗔𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 🇳🇴 𝗦’𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗘́ 𝗔𝗣𝗥𝗘̀𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗖𝗨𝗡 𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝟱 𝗕𝗨𝗧𝗦 𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗘 𝗟𝗔 𝗠𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘 🇲🇩⚽️ (11-1 score final)
Cristian Avram, gardien de la Moldavie :
« 𝗜𝗹 𝗺’𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗰𝗲 𝗻’𝗲́𝘁𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗮… pic.twitter.com/eNfx3xPtYP
— BeFootball (@_BeFootball) September 10, 2025
Haaland’s Recent Form and Sporting Gesture
The Manchester City frontman has been in exceptional form. Prior to his international exploits, Haaland netted twice in his club’s 4-0 dismantling of Wolves and scored against Brighton before the current international fixtures. Last week, he provided the solitary goal as Norway overcame Finland in a friendly. His five-goal display against Moldova not only underscored his clinical finishing but also highlighted his sense of sportsmanship, as he apologised to Moldova’s goalkeeper Cristian Avram following the full-time whistle.
Avram shed light on their post-match exchange, stating: “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.”
Group I Standings After Latest Fixtures
| Team | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | 15 | 1st |
| Italy | 9 | 2nd |
| Israel | 9 | 3rd |
| Estonia | 3 | 4th |
| Moldova | 0 | 5th |
Reactions and What Lies Ahead
Moldova manager Serghei Clescenco addressed the media following the crushing defeat, saying: “It’s a shame for us. I don’t have much more to say. Each player has their own answer.
“They say they haven’t slept well and that we play too complicated. The players can say a lot, they all answer differently, but they don’t answer what I ask. That’s all I have to say.”
Haaland now returns to his club duties in England, rejoining Manchester City ahead of their Premier League derby clash with Manchester United on Sunday. The Citizens, who struggled last season and have already lost two out of their first three league outings, find themselves four places behind United, who have managed one win and one draw from as many matches. Reflecting on his record-breaking night, Haaland remarked: “It was a great game,” adding, “We fought until the end. It was a historic night.”
