Haaland scores three goals as Norway crushes Israel amid pro-Palestinian protest | Football news

Norway’s national team, led by Erling Haaland, came close to qualifying for the World Cup in a match in which a pro-Palestine demonstration was held.

Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick to surpass 50 international goals in record time as Norway beat Israel 5-0, moving closer to qualifying for their first World Cup finals since 1998.

Before the match held on Saturday evening in Oslo, hundreds of people participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration, chanting “Free Palestine” in protest against the “genocide” being committed by Israel in Gaza, AFP journalists reported.

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Norwegian police dispersed a gathering of pro-Palestinian activists with tear gas and arrested several people.

Inside Olival Stadium, dozens of Israeli fans waved their country’s flag and a banner reading, “Let the ball talk!”

Norway leads Group Nine with 18 points, six points ahead of second-placed Italy, which beat Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn to remain on its way to qualifying.

The comfortable win in Oslo leaves Norway firmly in control of the group as it seeks a place in next year’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

After a mediocre performance, Israel will face Italy in Udine on Tuesday, knowing they must win to keep their dwindling qualification hopes alive.

Haaland’s hat-trick sets the tone

Haaland became the fastest player in men’s international football to reach 50 goals for his country, and now has 51 goals for Norway in just 46 matches.

Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz saved the early penalty kick, but the referee ordered the penalty kick to be retaken due to it encroaching inside the area, but Peretz blocked Haaland’s second attempt.

But Norway took the lead in the 18th minute through an own goal by Anan Khalili, before Haaland scored the only goal. Norway got their third goal from an own goal by Edan Nachmias.

Manchester City striker Haaland added his second goal with a powerful header before scoring to complete his sixth hat-trick with his country 18 minutes before the end of the match.

Norway has not played in a major tournament since Euro 2000.

Italy, which is trying to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014, moved a step closer thanks to goals from Moise Kean, Matteo Retegui and Pio Esposito in Tallinn.

The Italians are three points ahead of Israel, which is second in Group A, and which offers a place in the qualifiers.

Italy’s meeting with Israel is expected to be tense. Amid pro-Palestinian protestsOnly 5,000 tickets were sold.