Erling Haaland picked up right where he left off, scoring twice as Norway edged past Denmark 3-2 in an opening Nations League clash. The Manchester City forward, who found the net seven times during a memorable World Cup campaign that ended in a quarter final loss to England, marked his return to international duty in style.
Norway raced into a commanding early lead in Oslo. Fulham forward Oscar Bobb broke the deadlock, guiding a pass from Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard into the far corner with a delicate touch. Minutes later, Antonio Nusa weaved into the penalty area and threaded a pass for Haaland, who finished first time past goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard then added a third inside just eleven minutes, curling home a spectacular free kick from twenty five yards out.
Denmark responded through former Manchester United man Rasmus Hojlund, who pulled a goal back around the hour mark to level the score. But Norway restored their advantage with 74 minutes gone, as Haaland converted from close range following a well executed corner routine, notching his second of the night and what proved to be the decisive strike.
The closing stages brought some tension when substitute David Moller Wolfe picked up a second booking in added time, leaving Norway to see out the remainder with ten players. Despite the late setback, the hosts held on, moving to the summit of League A Group 4. Elsewhere in the section, Portugal claimed a narrow 1-0 win against Wales.
