Haaland hat-trick as Norway beat Israel 5-0 to top Group I

Erling Haaland scored a hattrick as Norway routed Israel 5-0 in Oslo on Saturday, moving the Scandinavian side significantly closer to qualification for next summer's World Cup. Haaland converted two headers and a close-range finish to reach 50 international goals in his 46th appearance, while Norway preserved a perfect record in Group I with six wins from six and 18 points.

The Manchester City striker began the night by seeing a sixth-minute penalty saved by Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. The spotkick was ordered retaken for encroachment, but Peretz again denied Haaland. Norway took the lead in the 18th minute when Israel defender Anan Khalaili put through his own net. Haaland then broke clear to score Norway's second, and a second Israel own goal, this time by Idan Nachmias, made it 3-0. Haaland added a powerful header and later nodded in a cross from Antonio Nusa to complete his hattrick and seal the 5-0 victory.

The win leaves Norway in control of Group I. Italy, second in the group, beat Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn and still have a game in hand, making them the nearest challengers; a win against Israel could narrow the gap. Norway's superior goal difference, built across a...