At Ullevaal Stadium on the evening of 9/9, Norway dominated the match, controlling 71% of possession and taking 34 shots with 18 on target, compared to Moldova's 2 shots and 0 on target.

Haaland alone contributed two assists and five goals, including four with his right foot and one header. Substitute Thelo Aasgaard scored four goals, while Felix Horn Myhre and captain Martin Odegaard each added one.

Erling Haaland (right) gets past goalkeeper Cristian Avram to complete his hat-trick during Norway's 11-1 win over Moldova in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers - European zone on 9/9. Photo: Reuters

Despite the early lead, Norway maintained the pressure until the final whistle, with Haaland repeatedly retrieving the ball from the net to quickly restart play, continuing to hunt for more goals to improve their goal difference.

After the match, Avram recounted the unexpected moment. "He told me that it wasn't my fault," the Moldovan goalkeeper said. "Haaland even apologized for being too hasty after each goal. He said they had to keep scoring because of the goal difference."

With the 11-1 victory, Norway remains atop Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers - European zone with 15 points and a goal difference of +21. Following are Italy (9 points, +5 goal difference) and Israel (9 points, +4 goal difference). If they maintain their lead after eight rounds, Norway will return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Haaland scores with a header during the match. Photo: VG

Meanwhile, Moldova suffered their heaviest defeat in international competition since their independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Their previous worst loss was an 0-8 defeat to Denmark in the Euro 2018 qualifiers. Moldova remains at the bottom of Group I with 0 points and a -22 goal difference.

Coach Serghei Clescenco did not hide his anger, openly criticizing his players. "This is a disgrace. Each person must answer for their performance. They said they didn't sleep well, that the game plan was complex, but no one gave an explanation that met my requirements," he said before abruptly leaving the press conference.

In contrast to Moldova's somber atmosphere, Haaland beamed as he extended his international tally to 48 goals in 45 matches, breaking an 87-year-old scoring record and becoming Norway's all-time leading scorer. "Yes, it's crazy to score more goals than games played. This is a historic night. We fought until the end and enjoyed this moment to the fullest," the Man City striker said.

Compiled by Hong Duy