Norway dominated their World Cup qualifying match against Moldova on March 22, 2025, securing a decisive 5-0 victory. The match, held at Zimbru Stadium in Chișinău, Moldova, showcased Norway’s superior performance from the outset.
Key Moments:
- Early Lead: Norway struck early, with midfielder Fredrik Bjørkan scoring in the 5th minute.
- Haaland’s Contribution: Erling Haaland added to the lead with a goal in the 15th minute.
- First-Half Dominance: By halftime, Norway led 4-0, with additional goals from Jens Petter Hauge in the 38th minute and Alexander Sørloth in the 40th minute.
- Second-Half Performance: The second half saw Norway maintain control, adding a fifth goal. Moldova attempted to respond but couldn’t overcome Norway’s dominance.
Notable Incident:
A concerning moment occurred when a fan sprinted onto the pitch towards Erling Haaland after his substitution. The intruder was swiftly tackled by assistant coach Brede Hangeland, ensuring Haaland’s safety before security intervened.
Player Highlights:
- Erling Haaland: Continued his impressive form with a goal in this match.
- Alexander Sørloth: Contributed a goal, marking his 22nd international goal in 60 appearances.
This victory underscores Norway’s strong start in the World Cup qualifiers, highlighting their attacking prowess and solid defense. Moldova, despite the loss, will aim to regroup and improve in their upcoming fixtures.