Staff Reporter.
(Reuters) – Erling Haaland scored two goals and made another as Norway thumped neighbours Sweden 3-2 in their Nations League Group B4 clash at the Ullevaal Stadium on Sunday, taking his total to 20 international goals and four in two games against the Swedes.
The 21-year-old stooped to head home Fredrik Bjorkan’s chipped pass to open the scoring in the 10th minute, and he added his second from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half after keeper Robin Olsen fouled Alexander Sorloth.
Emil Forsberg reduced the deficit shortly after the hour mark with a precise shot into the top corner, but Haaland snuffed out any hope of a comeback for the visitors as he crossed for Sorloth to score in the 77th minute.
Viktor Gyokeres scored for the Swedes in stoppage time to make it 3-2, but group leaders Norway held on to move up to 10 points, four clear of second-placed Serbia, who meet Slovenia later on Sunday. Sweden are third with three points.
Meanwhile Scotland captain Andy Robertson said supporters were right to air their frustration with boos after his side lost 3-0 to Ireland in a Uefa Nations League match.
Troy Parrott, Michael Obafemi and Alan Browne scored as Ireland beat toothless Scotland, helping Stephen Kenny’s side win their first match in the competition. Read full story
The defeat comes days after Scotland’s hopes of reaching Qatar were brought to an end by a 3-1 World Cup playoff defeat to Ukraine.
“We weren’t good enough,” Robertson told Premier Sports. “We’ve now said that twice in 10 days. We’ve let the manager down, that’s what’s so disappointing for us. Every one of us lost our individual battles.
“The fans behind the goal, booing us off were completely correct. That performance is nowhere near good enough in a Scotland jersey.
“We have to hit the reset button because everything was good last year. This year, the performances haven’t quite been up to scratch as yet. We need to get back to being consistent. I thought last year that’s what we were really good at.”
The Irish moved two places up to second in League B Group One standings while Scotland, also on three points, dropped to third. Ukraine, who beat Armenia 3-0 in the other group match, remain top of the group.