Erling Haaland demonstrated his striking prowess for Norway, showcasing the potential for a first-half hat-trick in the Nations League fixture against Slovenia. Wearing the captain's armband in Martin Ødegaard's absence, Haaland came close to scoring when he hit the post in the 26th minute, with the game already tied at 1-1.
Haaland nutmegs goalkeeper and then assists on the final goal.
Norway took an early lead in the match with a goal from Antonio Nusa just four minutes in. However, Slovenia equalized in the 20th minute through a penalty converted by Benjamin Sesko.
Haaland demonstrated his exceptional striking ability once again, restoring Norway’s lead after being expertly set up by Sander Berge. He executed a precise left-footed shot past the approaching Jan Oblak, marking his impressive 35th goal in just 38 appearances for his country.
Here is the video:
This is the type of goal Haaland keeps repeating. Recurring pattern. Making that run in behind. The key now is how his teammates can spot these movements and release him.
— Geronimo (@GeronimoMCI) November 15, 2024
Lewis. Nunes. Kovacic.
pic.twitter.com/QLzDYcLGO6
This goal highlights a consistent pattern in Haaland's play: his well-timed runs behind the defence. The success of these movements relies heavily on his teammates' ability to recognize and capitalize on them. This time, they did just that, allowing Haaland to skillfully nutmeg the out-rushing goalkeeper.
In the closing moments of the match, he nearly found the back of the net again with a well-placed shot that was expertly saved by Oblak. Nusa added his second goal of the night just before the hour mark, extending Norway's lead to 3-1 at the Stožice Stadium in Ljubljana. Haaland concluded an impressive performance by assisting Jens Petter Hauge in the 79th minute, bringing the score to 4-1 before he made way for a substitute with just three minutes left in the game.
Haaland goes past Diego Maradona's record of International goals
The victory positions Norway joint top in League B Group 3 alongside Austria. Erling Haaland, having scored his 35th goal, has now surpassed Argentine legend Diego Maradona's international goals record of 34 goals in 91 appearances.