A stunning second-half comeback, powered by a quickfire Erling Haaland brace, seals a historic qualification and leaves Italy’s World Cup dreams in tatters.
The Norwegian national team erupted in celebration on Monday after a stunning 4-1 victory over Italy sealed their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup, their first since 1998. In a dramatic reversal of fortune, the visitors overcame a half-time deficit to shatter Italian hopes and book their ticket to next summer’s tournament.
The match began with Italy on the front foot, and they were rewarded early when Francesco Esposito put the Azzurri ahead in the 11th minute. The first half belonged to the hosts, who controlled possession but struggled to convert their dominance into more goals, leaving a frustrated Norwegian side searching for answers at the break.
Whatever was said in the Norwegian locker room worked wonders. The team emerged after halftime with renewed fire, and their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Antonio Nusa drove into the box and fired a brilliant equalizer past the Italian goalkeeper.
The goal ignited the match, but it was superstar Erling Haaland who truly turned the tide. After being kept quiet for much of the game, the talismanic striker delivered a devastating blow, scoring two goals in two minutes to stun the Milan crowd. First, he met a perfect cross with a sublime volley, then coolly slotted home his 55th international goal with a classy, outside-of-the-foot finish.
Substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen put the exclamation point on a famous night with a brilliant solo goal in stoppage time, sealing a 4-1 rout and triggering wild celebrations from the Norwegian players and staff.
The victory completes a flawless qualifying campaign for Norway and ends a 26-year World Cup drought. For Italy, the heavy defeat is a devastating blow, leaving the playoff-bound Azzurri facing the grim prospect of failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
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