Haaland misses 2 penalty attempts, scores hattrick in demolition of Israel

Norway have been at their ruthless best this international break, drumming Moldova full of goals a few days ago 11-1, and beating Israel 5-1 today.

Haaland was the star of the show as usual, scoring a hat-trick. Interestingly, however, he missed two penalty attempts in the game. With Martin Odegaard still out injured, Antonio Nusa assumed primary creative responsibilities, and the Nigerian-Norwegian registered two assists and completed five assists.

From early on Norway looked sharper: in the 18th minute, Alexander Sorloth sent over a dangerous low cross that Israel’s forward Anan Khalaili deflected into his own net, giving the hosts a lead thanks to an own goal. 

Haaland was awarded a penalty minutes later, but the shot was saved by Israel keeper Daniel Peretz; Haaland then had to retake the spot-kick because Peretz moved off his line too early, only for the second penalty to be saved again.

Haaland finally got off the mark in the 27th minute when he cashed in a through-ball from Alexander Sorloth, slotting it past Peretz. Just a minute later, Israel’s defence was punished again: a panicked clearance from Peretz struck defender Nachmias and looped into the net for Norway’s second own goal before halftime.

The second half didn’t slack off. In the 63rd minute, Haaland powered home a header at the back post from Antonio Nusa’s cross for his milestone 50th goal. Then in the 72nd minute, he got his hat-trick, finishing from a similar Nusa delivery. Israel rarely threatened in front of goal and looked beaten before the break; Norway didn't let up and boosted their already dominant goal difference record.