Haaland's hat-trick boosts Norway's World Cup hopes in comfortable victory against Israel

Erling Haaland netted a hat-trick even after missing a penalty as Norway secured a 5-0 victory over Israel on Saturday, moving nearer to qualification for their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

Norway, absent from major tournaments since Euro 2000, now top Group I, holding a nine-point lead over second-placed Italy, who have two matches left and face Estonia later on Saturday.

The Nordic side will clinch a spot at next years tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a win against Estonia on Tuesday, provided Italy do not beat either Estonia or Israel in their upcoming fixtures.

Manchester City forward Haaland leads the European qualifiers scoring charts with 12 goals to date.

Before the match began, hundreds joined a pro-Palestinian rally, shouting 'Free Palestine' in protest over Israels actions in Gaza described as genocide, according to AFP reporters.

Lise Klaveness, head of the Norwegian football association, has lately advocated for sanctions against Israel.

Early in the game, Haaland caught Norwegian supporters at Ullevaal Stadium off guard when his penalty was stopped by Israels Daniel Peretz.

The penalty was retaken due to encroachment in the box, and Haalands redirected effort was again deflected by Peretz.

However, Norway took the lead in the 18th minute via an own goal from Anan Khalaili, followed by Haaland sprinting through to score in his ninth straight international outing.

The home team netted their third goal moments after the restart in the 28th minute, with Peretz miscuing a kick off Idan Nachmias, pressured by Haaland, resulting in another own goal.

Nachmias left the pitch injured after hitting the post.

Haaland claimed his second in the 63rd minute, heading powerfully from Antonio Nusas cross, then added a third header with 18 minutes remaining to seal his hat-trick.

In other results, Hungary defeated Armenia 2-0 in Group F, allowing Portugal to potentially qualify with wins against the Republic of Ireland at home later Saturday and then Hungary on Tuesday.

jc