**Erling Haaland Registers Historic Half-Century: Decoding His International Goal Stats**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 12, 2025, 01:33 AM*
Erling Haaland delivered a spectacular performance as Norway cruised to a 5-0 victory over Israel in a pivotal UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group I match at Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadium. Despite the backdrop of pro-Palestinian protests and heightened security, Norway’s emphatic win brought them tantalizingly close to their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
### Match Highlights
The Manchester City striker had a rollercoaster start—missing two penalties within the opening five minutes, with Israel’s goalkeeper Daniel Peretz denying him both attempts. But Haaland quickly bounced back. After an own goal by Israel’s A. Khalaili put Norway ahead, Haaland smashed in a right-footed finish to double the lead.
Norway’s dominance continued as another Israel own goal by defender Idan Nachmias extended the lead. Haaland then scored his second goal with a powerful header before completing his hat-trick by nodding in Antonio Nusa’s cross at the back post. His clinical display underscored his importance to the national team.
### Haaland’s Goal Tally Soars to 51
With this match, Haaland has now reached an incredible 51 goals in just 46 appearances for Norway across all competitions. His scoring prowess this calendar year has been especially remarkable, netting 13 goals in only 7 matches in 2025.
Furthermore, this game marked Haaland’s sixth international hat-trick — a phenomenal feat that places him just four shy of the all-time record jointly held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Adding to his accolades, Haaland’s opening goal continued a stunning run of form, marking his 10th consecutive game scoring for club and country. This season alone, he has found the net in 11 of his 12 appearances for Manchester City and Norway combined.
### Norway on the Brink of World Cup Qualification
Norway’s commanding performance has boosted them to the top of Group I, placing them nine points ahead of second-placed Italy, who still have two games in hand. With the next qualifier against Estonia scheduled for November 13, a Norwegian victory would confirm their spot at the 2026 World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
As Norway nears a historic return to football’s biggest stage, Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring brilliance continues to be the driving force behind their success. Fans and analysts alike will be watching eagerly to see if he can add to his remarkable tally in the crucial matches ahead.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/world-cup-qualifiers-haaland-shines-with-hat-trick-for-norway/story
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