Haaland Nets Hat-Trick as Norway Dominates Israel 5-0

Erling Haaland showcased his remarkable scoring prowess by netting a hat-trick as Norway secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Israel in a World Cup qualifier held on October 14, 2023. This match, taking place at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, was marked by pro-Palestinian protests outside the venue, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.

Haaland’s impressive performance brought his season total to 21 goals for club and country, achieved in just 12 matches. His second goal, a powerful header from a cross by Antonio Nusa, also marked a personal milestone, making him the fastest player to reach 50 goals for Norway, doing so in just 46 appearances. Although he had the opportunity for a fourth goal from the penalty spot, his first attempt was saved by Israel’s goalkeeper, Daniel Peretz, after a retake was ordered due to an early movement off the line. His second attempt also failed to find the net, adding an unusual twist to his otherwise stellar performance.

Norway’s victory was further bolstered by two own goals from Israel’s Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias. The match’s atmosphere was charged, not only with excitement for the game but also with the backdrop of political demonstrations. Approximately 1,000 protesters marched from Oslo’s city centre to the stadium, carrying banners and lighting flares in support of Palestine. Public broadcaster NRK reported that the demonstration was peaceful, with individuals holding a banner that stated “Let Children Live.” Once the match commenced, some fans inside the stadium jeered at the Israeli national anthem and displayed red cards in protest.

Before the game, FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for calm ahead of Israel’s qualifying matches, particularly in light of recent agreements between Israel and Hamas towards peace.

Haaland’s exceptional start to the season has led to discussions about his potential to shatter existing records. Following his recent goal for Manchester City against Brentford, analyst Jamie Carragher referred to him as English football’s “greatest goalscorer.” Haaland himself expressed confidence in his form, stating, “I’ve never felt better than I do now,” in an interview with Sky Sports.

His record in the UEFA Champions League is equally impressive. In just 49 appearances, he became the fastest player to reach 50 Champions League goals, eclipsing the previous record held by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who achieved this milestone in 62 games. For context, Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in the Champions League with 140 goals, took 91 matches to reach 50.

In the Premier League, Haaland’s tally of 94 goals in 104 appearances places him on track to become the quickest player to reach the 100-goal milestone, surpassing Alan Shearer, who accomplished this in 125 games. Other notable players, including Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero, follow behind in the rankings.

With nine years remaining on his contract, which he signed in January, and having recently turned 25, Haaland is poised to break numerous Premier League scoring records. If he maintains his current scoring rate, projections indicate he could surpass Shearer’s record of 260 Premier League goals by September 2030. Should he remain at Manchester City until the end of his contract in 2034, he could potentially amass an astonishing total of 389 Premier League goals.

Haaland’s remarkable ability on the pitch not only excites fans but also raises expectations for the future of football, with many eagerly anticipating how many records he will ultimately break.