Haaland fires Norway closer to World Cup as Italy stay in hunt
Erling Haaland netted a hat-trick to surpass 50 international goals in the quickest time ever as Norway comfortably beat Israel 5-0 on Saturday, inching nearer to a World Cup spot not achieved since 1998.
Prior to the Oslo fixture, hundreds gathered for a pro-Palestinian protest, calling out "Free Palestine" against Israel's alleged genocide in Gaza, as noted by AFP reporters.
Local police in Norway used tear gas to scatter the pro-Palestinian crowd and took a number of people into custody.
At Ullevaal Stadium, around a few dozen supporters from Israel displayed their national flag along with a message stating "Let the Ball Talk!".
Norway sit at the top of Group I on 18 points, six clear of Italy in second spot, who secured a 3-1 victory over Estonia in Tallinn to keep their qualification bid alive.
This straightforward success in Oslo puts Norway in a strong position within the group while they chase a berth at next year's tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Israel, after a lacklustre display, will confront Italy in Udine on Tuesday, aware that a win is essential to revive their slipping qualification prospects.
Haaland holds the record as the swiftest male player to achieve 50 goals for his nation in international matches, currently holding 51 strikes for Norway across only 46 outings.
His opening penalty attempt was blocked by Israel's keeper Daniel Peretz, though officials mandated a retake because of interference within the penalty area, yet Peretz managed to deflect Haaland's follow-up shot.
Norway moved into the lead during the 18th minute courtesy of an own goal from Anan Khalaili, followed by Haaland bursting through to find the net. The third arrived via another own goal, this time by Idan Nachmias.
The Manchester City attacker Haaland claimed his second goal with a forceful header, then added another nod in with 18 minutes remaining to seal his sixth hat-trick at international level.
Italy, striving to return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014, edged forward with strikes from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui, and Pio Esposito during their Tallinn encounter.
The Azzurri now hold a three-point advantage over Israel for the runner-up position in Group I, which provides an opportunity for play-offs.
The upcoming Italy versus Israel match anticipates high tension, encircled by pro-Palestinian rallies, and merely 5,000 tickets have found buyers.
Missed Ronaldo spot-kick
In Lisbon, Cristiano Ronaldo saw his second-half spot-kick stopped by the legs of Republic of Ireland's Caoimhim Kelleher, though Portugal grabbed a late triumph in added time through Ruben Neves' headed effort.
Neves sported the number 21 shirt as a homage to his departed teammate Diogo Jota, who perished in a road accident earlier this year and typically wore 21 for Portugal.
This gritty 1-0 success elevates the Portuguese five points beyond Hungary leading Group F.
Hungary overcame Armenia 2-0, leaving the Irish and Armenia with a vital clash in Dublin come Tuesday.
Spain, the European title holders, preserved their unblemished qualifying streak by overcoming Georgia 2-0 with efforts from Yeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Turkey trail them by three points in Group E following a decisive 6-1 routing of Bulgaria in Sofia.
Albania, who have yet to appear at a World Cup, now possess a shot at next year's event after prevailing 1-0 away to Serbia via Rey Manaj's goal.
The Albanians occupy second in Group K trailing England, holding a four-point buffer over Serbia in third place.