Erling Haaland has just done something no other Norway player has this century
Erling Haaland continues to create more history as he helped Norway to an emphatic 11-1 victory over Moldova in World Cup qualification.
The resounding win means Norway stay top of their qualification group, six points above Italy albeit having played a game more.
Haaland has scored three goals in his opening three Premier League fixtures this season and continued his fine start to the season on international duty.
Man City lost 2-1 to Brighton in their last Premier League fixture, in which Haaland netted the opener, and the 25-year-old will return to club duties for a clash against rivals Man United.
Erling Haaland puts on faultless Norway display
It was the perfect night for Haaland and Norway, with the game wrapped up by half-time.
Haaland had a hat-trick within 43 minutes, and Arsenal‘s Martin Odegaarad also got on the scoresheet.
| Minutes Played | 89 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Total Shots | 10 |
| Expected Goals | 2.09 |
More goals could have been scored as Haaland missed three big chances and hit the woodwork, as he became the first Norwegian to hit more than four goals in a senior international this century.
Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard also scored a hat-trick to share the match ball with Haaland.
Haaland’s perfect preparation for the Manchester derby
Haaland will go into the Manchester derby full of confidence after increasing his goal tally to eight this season in just five matches.
Man City go into the derby off back-to-back defeats, but with an in-form Haaland the Man United defence will have their work cut out.
Haaland certainly enjoyed himself against Moldova in a dominant display which increases his chances of going to a first World Cup with his country.
Norway have not qualified for a World Cup since 1998, and Haaland is currently the protagonist in their push to end that long drought.
If Pep Guardiola can keep a Haaland in this form fit then Man City could push for the Premier League title once again.