US EditionHaaland: the Relentless Force Behind Norway's World Cup Dream
Norway topped Group I with a 4-1 win over Italy, forcing the four-time world champions into March playoffs to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
- On Sunday at Milan's San Siro, Italy national team lost 4-1 to Norway national team, failing to achieve the nine-goal win needed; nearly 70,000 fans left frustrated.
- After a shock 3-0 defeat in June, Italy replaced Luciano Spalletti with Gennaro Gattuso and faced repeated second-place finishes, including four years ago and the 2018 playoffs.
- Older supporters lamented that many Italian children have never seen Italy play at a World Cup, while some spectators at San Siro said they were more thrilled to see Erling Haaland, Norway forward.
- They now must enter the March playoffs, with the Italy national team facing a third straight World Cup absence after missing Russia and Qatar, as supporters express concern over repeated failures.
- Critics say rivals have excelled at nurturing talent and highlight issues with players' culture, while fans including Mariagnese Rossi still hope reaching North America could revive Italy's fortunes.
43 Articles
43 Articles
Haaland: the relentless force behind Norway's World Cup dream
MANCHESTER, England :When Erling Haaland walked off the pitch at the San Siro stadium after helping seal Norway's first World Cup berth since 1998, it was the culmination of a mission the 25-year-old has carried on his shoulders for years.Haaland bagged a double in Sunday's 4-1 win over Italy on Sunday to br
Haaland-inspired Norway thump Italy 4-1 to end 28-year World Cup wait
Erling Haaland's two late goals propelled Norway to a 4–1 victory over Italy in Rome, confirming their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and ending a 28-year absence. Norway finished the group stage with a flawless record, while Italy face another playoff challenge.
Italy fans brace for more World Cup playoff drama
MILAN - Frustrated Italy fans streamed out of the San Siro, bracing for more World Cup playoff drama, after their team slumped to a humiliating 4-1 defeat against Norway on Sunday in their last qualifier. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Italy holds a half-time against Norway, then Erling Haaland breaks into the Squadra Azzurra. With the 4:1 Norway gets the World Cup ticket, Italy has to hope for the playoff.
28 years later, Norway will return to the World Cup thanks to a new generation worn by one of the world football cracks, Erling Haaland. Manchester City's attacker was the decisive double in the victory (4-1) against Italy on Sunday night.
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