Odegaard hails Haaland after his five-goal masterclass in Norway’s 11-1 win over Moldova. Haaland’s performance included a hat-trick, assists, and breaking records, solidifying Norway’s lead in their World Cup qualifying group. Odegaard and Berge praised Haaland’s exceptional talent.
Martin Odegaard has described playing alongside Erling Haaland as a "dream" following the Manchester City striker's sensational five-goal performance in Norway's resounding 11-1 victory over Moldova. The match, which showcased Haaland's incredible talent, saw him become the first player this century to achieve such a feat for his country.
Haaland's dominance was evident from the outset at Ullevaal Stadion. He not only scored a first-half hat-trick but also played a crucial role in Norway's opening goal, setting up Felix Myhre with a well-timed pass. His relentless pursuit of goals continued after the break, as he added two more to his tally. Showing his versatility, Haaland then assisted Thelo Aasgaard, a substitute, for the final goal in the 91st minute, capping off a memorable night.
With his five-goal haul, Haaland has now surpassed the number of games he has played for Norway, boasting an impressive 48 goals in 45 appearances. His scoring streak extends to eight consecutive international appearances, during which he has netted 14 goals. This remarkable form has propelled Norway to the top of Group I, six points ahead of Italy.
Haaland's achievement also places him in elite company. He is the first European player to score five goals in a World Cup qualifier since Hans Krankl, who scored six for Austria against Malta in 1977. This statistic highlights the significance of Haaland's performance and his growing reputation as one of the world's most prolific strikers.
Odegaard, who himself contributed to the victory with two assists for Haaland and a goal of his own, expressed his delight at playing alongside the Manchester City star. "It’s a dream to play with him. I know he timed the races perfectly," Odegaard said. "Then it’s just a matter of hitting, and then it mostly goes into the goal when he’s the one who gets it."
5 – Erling Haaland has scored in each of his last eight international appearances, scoring 14 goals, while he’s the first European player to score five times in a World Cup qualifier since Hans Krankl scored six for Austria v Malta in 1977. Unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/6d7Dz8aZ9u
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 9, 2025
The comprehensive victory saw Norway match their record for goals scored in a single game, a feat they had previously achieved against Finland in 1946 (12-0) and the United States in 1948 (11-1). The team's attacking prowess was further emphasized by their expected goals (xG) total of 7.55 from 23 shots, with Haaland contributing to 10 of those efforts and an xG of 2.53.
While Haaland stole the headlines, Odegaard's performance was equally impressive. He led the team in chances created (seven), passes in the final third (56), and duels won (nine). His creativity and vision were instrumental in Norway's attacking success.
Midfielder Sander Berge echoed Odegaard's sentiments, praising both Haaland and Odegaard as being among the best players in the world. "They are two of the world’s best football players. When they do it in the Premier League, you almost expect them to do it when they get so much space," Berge added. "There are some sick goals, of course, but they are on that shelf. Then it’s just a matter of enjoying yourself and watching. It’s like seeing De Bruyne to Haaland."
The victory not only strengthens Norway's position in their World Cup qualifying group but also showcases the incredible talent and partnership between Haaland and Odegaard, two players who are undoubtedly set to play a significant role in the future of Norwegian football. Their combined skill and understanding on the field create a formidable attacking force that any opponent will find difficult to contain. With Haaland's clinical finishing and Odegaard's creative playmaking, Norway has a dynamic duo capable of achieving great things on the international stage. As they continue to develop their partnership, the future looks bright for Norwegian football, with the prospect of challenging for major honors in the years to come. The blend of experience and youthful exuberance within the squad, guided by coach Stale Solbakken, provides a solid foundation for sustained success. The team's focus will now shift to maintaining their momentum in the remaining qualifying matches, ensuring their place at the World Cup and showcasing their talent to a global audience. This recent performance serves as a statement of intent, highlighting Norway's ambition and their determination to make a mark on the world stage.