World Cup Qualifiers, Norway-Israel 5-0: playoffs almost certain for Italy

Milan, Oct. 11 (LaPresse) – Miracles don’t always happen: Norway decisively beat Israel 5-0 and are now on course for direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup at Italy’s expense. Gattuso’s Azzurri, even if they win all remaining matches, would still be forced to go through the playoffs to reach the next World Cup. Italy won’t be able to surpass Norway, even by winning the final head-to-head in Milan, due to the Scandinavian side’s overwhelming goal difference. In Oslo, amid a tense climate with pro-Palestine protests, Norway broke Israel’s resistance in less than half an hour. After Haaland missed two penalty attempts early on, the hosts scored with a Khalaili own goal, a goal by the usual Haaland, and another own goal by Nachmias—all between the 18th and 28th minutes. In the second half, Haaland completed his personal hat-trick with two powerful headers for the final 5-0 scoreline.