ERLING HAALAND rifled home an unstoppable hat-trick as Norway romped past Romania 4-0 in the Uefa Nations League.
Not too long ago, the Borussia Dortmund striker had failed to score in his first three caps for his country – but smashed three in against hapless Romania to make it six in six for Norway.
Erling Haaland lethally fired Norway to victoryCredit: EPA
The 20-year-old opened the scoring in the 15th minute after being played through on goal by a pinpoint Martin Odegaard through-ball – slotting a left-footed effort past Ciprian Tatarasanu.
Crystal Palace flop Alexander Sorloth, now of RB Leipzig, then made it two 26 minutes later, tapping home after a square ball from Nimes full-back Birger Meling.
Haaland nearly made it 3-0 with an audacious back-heel flick – although for once could not find the target.
But he made no mistake in the 64th minute, after Real Madrid star Odegaard, like Meling before him, unselfishly decided to square the ball to his lethal team-mate Haaland.
And the goal machine completed the scoring ten minutes later, rifling another left-footed drive past the helpless Tatarasanu.
The result put Norway top of Group B1 on six points, ahead of Austria’s clash with Northern Ireland.
Haaland’s hat-trick helped his side to the perfect response to Thursday night’s bitter disappointment.
The Lions lost their Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Serbia 2-1.
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Haaland won his duel with goalkeeper TatarasanuCredit: EPA
Norway’s star striker linked up well with Real Madrid star Martin OdegaardCredit: AFP
The Serbs will now face Scotland for a place at Euro 2020.
Norway, meanwhile, host Northern Ireland on Wednesday night, having beaten Ian Baraclough’s men 5-1 in Belfast last month.
Victory would put Haaland and Co out of the Green and White Army’s reach.
Ex-Palace striker Sorloth even got in on the actCredit: AFP
Norway star Erling Haaland sends Leeds fans into meltdown after swapping shirts with Dallas
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
