Haaland Hits 50 Goals as Norway Crushes Israel 5-0 in World Cup Qualifier

When Erling Braut Haaland netted his third goal in the 72nd minute, he didn’t just seal a 5-0 win—he reached 50 international goals, becoming one of Norway’s most prolific scorers in history. The milestone came on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, where Norway dismantled Israel in a 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifierOslo that was as politically charged as it was footballing. The final whistle blew to a mix of roaring cheers and uneasy silence—the kind that comes when sport collides with war.

A Night of Red and White, and Protest

The atmosphere at Ullevaal was unlike any other qualifier in recent memory. As Israel’s national anthem played, the stands erupted not in song, but in boos. Hundreds of Palestinian flags waved alongside a massive banner reading, “Let children live.” Norwegian authorities had closed off entire sections of the stadium to isolate the roughly 100 Israeli supporters who had traveled to Oslo—many of them immigrants or dual nationals. The move, while legally justified under Norway’s public safety laws, drew criticism from human rights groups who called it “a chilling precedent.” Still, the security operation was seamless. No incidents occurred, but the tension lingered, thick as the Oslo night air.

Haaland’s Masterclass

It didn’t take long for the pitch to become Haaland’s canvas. In the 18th minute, Alexander Sorloth cut inside from the left, sent a low, curling cross that deflected off Israel’s Iyad Khalaili and nestled into the net. Own goal. 1-0. Then, in the 27th minute, Haaland received a perfectly weighted through ball from Sorloth, stepped past a hesitant defender, and fired low past Daniel Peretz. 2-0.

The third goal was pure chaos. Peretz, under pressure from Haaland, attempted a panicked clearance—but the ball ricocheted off Israel’s Nachmias and trickled into the net. 3-0. Just 60 seconds after Haaland’s goal, Norway had doubled their lead with a gift from their own mistakes. The crowd gasped. Then roared.

Haaland’s hat-trick came in the 72nd minute. A corner, a flick-on, and a thunderous header that left Peretz rooted. 4-0. He celebrated by pointing to the sky, then to his chest—50 international goals. He’s now tied for second on Norway’s all-time scoring list, behind only Ole Gunnar Solskjær. The fifth goal, in the 89th minute, was a clinical counterattack finished by Joelinton, a Brazilian-born midfielder who chose to represent Norway in 2023. 5-0.

Peretz’s Heroics, in Vain

Peretz, Israel’s goalkeeper, was the only bright spot for the visitors. Early on, he denied Haaland with a reflex save from point-blank range. Then came the penalty. Haaland stepped up in the 34th minute. Peretz guessed right, saved it. But the referee ordered a retake—Norwegian players had encroached. Peretz saved it again. The crowd erupted in disbelief. The match paused briefly after a pitch invader, later identified as a local activist, ran onto the field holding a Palestinian flag. He was removed within 15 seconds. The game resumed, but the momentum had already shifted irrevocably.

Why This Matters

Norway now sits atop Group I with 18 points from six matches—perfect record, plus-26 goal difference. They’ve scored 28 goals and conceded just two. Their next two games: home against Estonia on March 24, 2026, and away to second-placed Italy on March 31. A single win in either game secures automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World CupNorth America. Italy, with 9 points and two games in hand, still has a mathematical chance—but the gap is now psychological as much as numerical.

Israel, meanwhile, is all but eliminated. With nine points from five games, they’re now six points behind Italy and five behind Norway. Their goal difference is -10. Their defense, once praised for its compactness, looked brittle. Their spirit, once admired, was drowned out by the noise of a nation divided.

What Comes Next

For Norway, this is more than qualification—it’s identity. After years of near-misses in World Cup qualifiers, this team is finally playing with confidence, cohesion, and a ruthless edge. Haaland isn’t just a goalscorer anymore. He’s the face of a generation. Coach Ståle Solbakken has built a side that presses high, moves fast, and finishes with precision. They’ve outscored their group rivals by a margin not seen since Germany in 2002.

For Israel, the path forward is murky. The war in Gaza has turned their team into a political symbol—not just a football side. Their federation has received threats. Players have been targeted online. Some have requested transfers abroad. The future of Israeli football, in international competition, is now as uncertain as the peace process.

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