Norway has taken a huge step in qualifying for the world cup since 1998 after beating Israel 5-0 on October 11, at the Ullevaal Stadion, amidst pro-Palestinian protests.
Norway was so close to taking an early lead but Israel’s goal keeper saved Erling Haaland's penalty. A few minutes later, the hosts were gifted a goal by Israeli midfielder, Anan Khalaili when he headed home from an Alexander Sorloth cross.
About 9 minutes later, Haaland doubled his team's lead with a clean right-footed finish. Just when Norway had returned from celebrating Erling Halaand's goal, Israeli goal keeper's clearance hit Idan Nachimias, a defender, and bounce back into his own goal, extending Norway's lead to 3.
Israel was out classed in every way; the hosts held the ball with grace and took control of every moment of the game. Haaland headed home in the 63rd minute and sealed the hat-trick in the 72 nd minute.
Victory against the Israelis cements Norway's position at the top of group I standing, a head of Italy.
The match was overshadowed by the pro-Palestinian protests who lit flares, waved flags and matched to the Ullevaal Stadion in the thousands, despite an appeal for calm by the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, ahead of game.
Anti-protest police cordoned off the stadium to keep protesters at a distance. There were chants of " shut down the embassy," others carried red cards. A long banner with the words "Let Children Live" was unfurled in the stadium, and some fans jeered when Israel national anthem was played.
