Norway 11 : 1 Moldova

Records tumbled in Oslo as Norway scored all twelve goals in their eighth straight victory.

Those eight victories have yielded 34 goals.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scored five, Thelo Aasgaard scored four in just 24 second half minutes and hapless Moldova crumbled to their record defeat. Felix Myhre opened the scoring and the outstanding Martin Odegaard was also on the scoresheet.

The unfortunate Leo Ostigard scored an own goal for the visitors.

Norway have now scored 16 goals in their two games with Moldova and 24 in their five victorious qualfying games overall. Haaland has nine of them.

They next host Israel on October 11th.

Norway seem certain to qualify while Italy may have to settle for a play-off

In Group I’s other game, Israel and Italy played out a nine goal thriller with the Israeli’s going ahead twice before the Azzuri took full control. Two of Israel’s goals were scored by Italians who looked defensively vulnerable throughout the game.

The Italians visit Estonia next then host Israel in Udine on October 14th. However, Israel must visit the mighty Norway on the 11th which could put paid to any hopes of that second place, needed for a play-off.

Norway’s strenght lies in various areas.

As well as his five goal tally, Haaland made three assists and Odegaard two. Julian Ryerson, David Moller Wolf and Myhre contributed one each.

Norway had 34 shots.

They also have a conspicuous height advantage all over the field.

Kristoffer Ajer is 6’6″. Haaland, Sander Berge and Alexander Sorloth are all 6’5″. Keeper Orjen Nyland and Torbjorn Heggem are 6’4″. Moller Wolfe is 6’1″. Ryerson is 6’0″.

Antonio Nusa and Myhre are 5’11” and Odegaard is the team midget at 5’10”. He also has seven assists in their five World Cup games. And only one of those eleven goals came from a corner!

With qualification likely to be secured early, many other sides will be looking on nervously if the Norwegians are seeded second in the World Cup draw on December 5th.

They will be a team to avoid.