Norway 4-1 Estonia: Haaland, Sorloth each scored a double

Norway beat Estonia 4-1 in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth scoring twice in just over 20 minutes of the second half. The result helped Norway consolidate their top spot in Group I with 21 points, moving closer to a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Explosion after the break: 20 minutes that decided the match

The deadlock was broken in the 50th minute: from a corner kick, Sander Berge crossed the ball precisely for Alexander Sorloth to jump high and head in to open the scoring. Less than 2 minutes later, also in the air, Sorloth completed his double after a cross from Julian Ryerson, doubling the gap and completely changing the tempo of the match.

Norway’s pressure didn’t stop there. In the 56th minute, Erling Haaland got on the scoresheet with a tricky header after another Ryerson cross. Just six minutes later, Haaland got his second goal with a close-range finish after a headed assist from David Moller Wolfe, making it 4-0. Four goals, three headers and two decisive crosses clearly outlined Norway’s attack plan in the second half: exploit the flanks, maximizing the aerial superiority of the striker pair.

Estonia fought back and got a consolation goal in the 64th minute, when Robi Saarma finished neatly in the box after a lightning counter-attack and the decisive pass from Kevor Palumets. However, from the 69th minute onwards, the personnel adjustments by both sides did not change the direction of the match: Norway played with discipline, closing out a 4-1 victory.

First half stalemate: Karl Hein keeps Estonia in the game

Norway started the game proactively and put pressure on early. In the second minute, Torbjorn Heggem headed Oscar Bobb's cross but it was blocked. Antonio Nusa was active on the left, trying his luck from outside the box. Sander Berge had two dangerous shots from close range but both were blocked by Estonian defenders.

Sorloth had several clear chances: in the 22nd minute he headed wide of the post after a pass from Nusa; in the 27th minute he shot but Karl Hein caught it; in the 30th minute another shot was blocked. In the 43rd minute, Haaland jumped high to head the ball but still could not beat the Estonian goalkeeper. On the other hand, Estonia had a clear chance in the 29th minute, when Rauno Sappinen forced Orjan Nyland to show his talent.

Norway had at least six corners and controlled the game almost completely in the first 45 minutes, but the efficiency of their finishing and the brilliance of Karl Hein prevented them from scoring before half-time.

Tactical Highlights: Crossing, Aerial Combat and Dead Ball

The run of goals after the break all outlined the same pattern: quality crosses from both flanks, especially Julian Ryerson’s right flank, combined with positioning and leaping ability from Sorloth and Haaland. The opener came from a set piece, then open play from the flanks continued to translate into quality chances. With their opponents sitting deep, Norway were persistent in attacking the space behind the two centre-backs and the far post, where they had the physical advantage.

The knock-on effect after the first goal was also clear: Estonia were forced to push forward, inadvertently leaving space for early crosses and runs into the six-yard box, where Haaland is particularly dangerous.

Impact on the rankings

The victory helped Norway solidify their top position in Group I with 21 points. With two strikers scoring, this team is closer to a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, while sending a clear message about their playing style: control the tempo, attack the wings fiercely and make the most of their aerial advantage.

Notable individuals

• Erling Haaland: A second-half brace, a header and a close-range finish.
• Alexander Sorloth: Double in just a few minutes, opening the match with an aerial battle.
• Julian Ryerson: Two crosses created goals, supply from the right flank.
• Sander Berge: Cross from corner kick led to the opening goal.
• Karl Hein: Outstanding in the first half, many saves kept Estonia in the match.
• Robi Saarma: Consolation goal for Estonia after a quick counter-attack.

Final score: Norway 4-1 Estonia.