New Delhi: Erling Haaland netted a hat-trick as Norway hammered Israel 5-0 at home in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Saturday, while Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score as Portugal beat Ireland 1-0.

Haaland came close to scoring the opening goal early on when Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz showcased his brilliance and denied the striker from the penalty spot twice after the kick was ordered to be retaken.

The match was stopped when a pitch invader ran onto the field, capping off a chaotic opening 10 minutes. The Norwegians took the 1-0 lead in the 18th minute when Alexander Sorloth broke down the flank and fired a low cross that deflected from Israel forward Khalaili and got into the net.

Haaland made up for his penalty miss and doubled Norway’s

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