Norway Dominates Moldova 5-0 in World Cup Qualifiers

London, Agency - In an impressive opening match of the European qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, Norway showcased their strength by defeating Moldova 5-0. Star striker Erling Haaland played a pivotal role in leading the team to a commanding victory, marking a strong start to their qualification campaign.

Norway's presence in Group I has raised expectations, with many anticipating that they will secure the top position. In the same group, Israel also contributed to the excitement by narrowly beating Estonia 2-1 in another qualifying match.

Early Goals Set the Tone

Norway's triumph began with an early goal from defender Julian Ryerson, who found the back of the net in the fifth minute. The team’s lead was doubled by Haaland in the 23rd minute, bringing his total to 39 goals in 40 matches since his debut for the national team in 2019. This remarkable statistic underscores Haaland’s significance as a key player.

Following Haaland’s goal, additional scoring came from Thelo Asgard, Alexander Sorloth, and substitute Aaron Donnum, each contributing to the substantial win.

Aiming for World Cup Return

After last qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 1998, Norway is now seen as a strong contender for a return in 2026, where the tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With their recent performance, Norway’s aspirations of participating in the World Cup have only intensified.

Other Qualifying Results

In related qualifying news, Wales secured a 3-1 victory against Kazakhstan, while North Macedonia triumphed over Liechtenstein with a scoreline of 3-0. The Czech Republic, aided by two goals from Patrik Schick, managed to defeat the Faroe Islands 2-1, and Montenegro overcame Gibraltar with a 3-1 win.

As the qualifiers continue, fans will be looking forward to more thrilling matches and seeing whether Norway can maintain their form and secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup.