Erling Haaland had a slight mishap when exiting a bus, yet he excelled on the field as he scored five goals in Norway’s 11-1 rout against Moldova on Tuesday. This victory is a significant step towards Norway’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer.

Erling Haaland’s Remarkable Five Goals in Norway’s Conquest over Moldova

The Manchester City forward had stitches on his lower lip after a minor incident with a luggage door but reassured that the injury was not serious. Haaland’s incredible tally marks a career-high for him while playing for Norway, becoming the highest number by a European male player in a World Cup qualifier after Austrian Hans Krankl scored six times against Malta in 1977.

Norway’s dominant performance saw Thelo Aasgaard contributing with four goals of his own, while Felix Horn Myhre and Martin Ødegaard also found the net. Even Moldova managed a goal, but it was in the form of an own goal by Norwegian defender Leo Østigård.

The match marked Europe’s largest victory margin in this World Cup qualifying cycle, surpassing the Netherlands’ 8-0 win against Malta in June. Norway leads Group I with 15 points after five matches, six points ahead of Italy, as they aim to reach their first men’s World Cup since 1998.