By Nicholas Walter
Erling Haaland showcased his incredible scoring prowess yet again, leading Norway to a resounding 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan in their final UEFA Nations League Group B3 match. The Manchester City forward’s hat-trick not only inspired the win but also sealed Norway’s promotion to League A for the next tournament cycle.
Playing at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Norway entered the match needing a win to solidify their spot at the top of the group. Haaland, serving as captain in the absence of Martin Ødegaard, wasted no time stamping his authority on the game. In the 15th minute, he pounced on a rebound from a save by Kazakhstan’s goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov to score his 36th international goal. Minutes later, he doubled the advantage with a pinpoint header from Antonio Nusa’s precise cross
The hosts maintained relentless pressure throughout the first half. Alexander Sørloth capitalized on a defensive lapse to net Norway’s third goal just before halftime, virtually sealing the result. Yet, Norway showed no signs of easing off in the second half, with Haaland remaining a constant threat.
In the 71st minute, Haaland completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish, driving a low shot past the keeper from the edge of the box. Nusa added further gloss to the scoreline with a stunning late goal, curling the ball off the far post and into the net.
A Historic Feat for Haaland
Haaland’s hat-trick marked his 25th in senior football, an extraordinary statistic given his age of just 24. His tally includes four hat-tricks for Norway, eleven for Manchester City, four for Borussia Dortmund, five for RB Leipzig, and one for Molde. This remarkable achievement underscores his evolution into one of the most prolific forwards in the game.
This latest performance brought his Nations League tally to seven goals, securing his position as the tournament’s leading scorer. It was also his third hat-trick of the 2023-24 season, following consecutive trebles against Ipswich Town and West Ham during the Premier League campaign in August. His ability to maintain such form across both club and international football sets him apart.
Norway’s Promotion to League A
Norway’s emphatic victory over Kazakhstan capped a strong Nations League campaign, where they topped Group B3 with 13 points, two ahead of second-placed Austria. Their promotion to League A represents a significant step forward under manager Ståle Solbakken, positioning the team to face Europe’s elite in the next cycle.
The news of Slovenia’s equalizer against Austria, which confirmed Norway’s automatic promotion, was met with jubilation by fans at Ullevaal Stadium. Haaland’s leadership and goal-scoring feats have become pivotal to Norway’s success, with the team building momentum ahead of future international competitions.
Haaland now returns to Manchester City, where he will aim to translate his international form into club success. City, who have recently faced challenges in domestic competition, will look to their star forward as they prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur on November 23. For Haaland, the goal remains clear: continue breaking records and delivering for both club and country
