Haaland strikes twice when Norway is at the top in Sweden
OSLO: Erling Haaland scored two goals and set up the third when Norway beat neighboring Sweden 3-2 in the Nations League at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo on Sunday.
“I’m speechless!” said the 21-year-old striker to Norwegian television before adding: “This is the first time I play for a sold-out Ullevaal. And to win against Sweden in the last match of the season, it’s beautiful.”
Haaland, who is on his way to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund this summer, gave Norway the lead in the 10th minute with a nod near the post.
He added a penalty in the 54th minute after Hjalmar Ekdal fouled Alexander Sorloth.
It was Haaland’s 20th international goal in 18 Norwegian matches.
Sweden responded eight minutes later when Emil Forsberg hit home a pass from Dejan Kulusevski.
Haaland then passed for Sorloth to head home and restore the host’s two-goal lead after 77 minutes.
Swedish skipper Forsberg was not impressed by the goals his team conceded.
“It’s too easy to score against us,” he said.
Viktor Gyokeres gave the Swedes a short jump by firing a shot home five minutes into extra time.
“This tasted good,” said Norway’s coach Stale Solbakken.
“Sweden is better offensively than defensively at the moment … I think we were the better team but it was important to get the early goal. It gave us a mental boost. “
The victory gave Norway 10 points after four matches in group B4. They lead second place Serbia, who play away against Slovenia later Sunday, with four points and Sweden with seven. – AFP