Haaland Scores and Assists as Norway Beat Wales 3-1 to Deepen Dragons’ Nations League Woes

OSLO, 14 November – Erling Haaland set up one goal and scored another as Norway beat Wales 3-1 at the Ullevaal Stadion on Saturday, avenging last month’s defeat in Cardiff and leaving Craig Bellamy’s side facing a fight to stay in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League.

After a goalless first half, Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup and Haaland struck in the final half-hour to hand Ståle Solbakken’s side a crucial win in League A Group 4.

Wales had the early chances

Wales were the better side before the break. Daniel James had their best opportunities, with Norway goalkeeper Egil Selvik keeping him out as the visitors went in level at 0-0.

Norway’s first shot on target changed everything. On 59 minutes, Nusa drilled a low strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area to open the scoring.

Nine minutes later it was 2-0. Nusa and Haaland combined, and the Manchester City striker squared for substitute Schjelderup to tap in at the far post.

Brooks sparks hope, Haaland ends it

Wales refused to fold. Substitute David Brooks pulled one back on 79 minutes with a delicate chipped finish from Harry Wilson’s pass, setting up a tense finale in Oslo.

The comeback never came. With two minutes left, Connor Roberts was penalised for a challenge on Schjelderup in the box, and Haaland sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot to wrap up the win.

Key numbers

• 66 – Haaland’s international goals, from just 60 caps
• 0-0 – the half-time score before Norway scored three times in the second half
• 3 – points Norway and Denmark now sit ahead of Wales
• 25 – years Norway had waited for a win over Wales, according to Flashscore

What it means

The victory lifts Norway above Wales in Group A4 and guarantees them at least third place. According to the Norwegian Football Federation, that is enough to secure top seeding for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw.

For Wales, the picture is bleak. Even if they beat group leaders and reigning champions Portugal in Cardiff on Tuesday, they cannot overtake Norway or Denmark because of their inferior head-to-head record. They are now guaranteed to finish bottom of the group.

That does not automatically mean relegation. Wales could still be one of the better fourth-placed sides in League A, which would send them into a relegation play-off against a League B team in March rather than straight down. The defeat also means Wales will not be among the top seeds for Euro 2028 qualifying, BBC Sport reported.

Haaland was not at his devastating best and had been kept quiet in the reverse fixture in Cardiff a month ago. Here he still found a way to decide the game, with an assist and a cool finish from the spot.

Wales host Portugal on Tuesday to close their group campaign.

Sources: BBC Sport, Sky Sports, Norwegian Football Federation (fotball.no), Flashscore, Premier League.

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