Before the final match, Norway had a 90% chance of going straight, as they could only lose the top spot if they lost to Italy… by a 9-goal difference. The pressure was almost negligible, but coach Stale Solbakken’s team did not choose safety, but showed their mettle with a convincing victory.
Italy, in a must-win situation, entered the match with determination. In the 11th minute, the home team broke the deadlock when Esposito turned and shot in the penalty area to put the “Azzurri” ahead 1-0. However, that was also Italy’s only bright spot in the match. The attacks that followed lacked dynamism, unable to put continuous pressure on the Norwegian defense.
In the second half, the match completely changed direction. Norway gradually controlled the game, organizing sharper attacks. In the 63rd minute, Atonio Nusa passed two Italian defenders before finishing at the near corner, equalizing 1-1. From here, the Nordic team created an explosive comeback.
Within two minutes (78 and 79), Erling Haaland shone with an impressive double. The goal to increase the score to 2-1 came from an accurate volley after a cross from Oscar Bobb. Immediately after, the striker wearing the number 9 shirt continued to make his mark with a close-range tap-in, putting Norway ahead 3-1. In the 90+3 minute of injury time, Strand Larsen completed the 4-1 victory by dribbling solo through the Italian defense and finishing decisively.
The victory helped Norway close the campaign at the top of Group I, and marked the first time in nearly 30 years that they returned to the biggest football festival on the planet, since the 1998 World Cup.
The generation of players including Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Oscar Bobb and Patrick Berg is expected to open a new step for Norwegian football. Haaland alone scored 5 goals and had 1 assist after 5 qualifying matches, continuing to affirm his position as a leading candidate for the Golden Ball award.
On the other hand, Italian football continues to face many difficulties. After two consecutive World Cups without participation, the “Azzurri” now have to enter the play-off round, a journey that is inherently fraught with risks. If they do not improve their performance, the risk of missing out on the World Cup for the third consecutive time is present.
Thus, up to now, 32 out of 48 places to participate in the 2026 World Cup Finals have been determined.
The Asian region includes Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan (first time participating), South Korea, Uzbekistan (first time participating) and Qatar, Saudi Arabia.
Africa includes Algeria, Cape Verde (first time), Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Senegal and South Africa.
The CONCACAF region has identified three host teams: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
South America contributes Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Oceania has New Zealand.
From Europe, England, France, Croatia, Portugal and now Norway have secured early tickets.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/na-uy-thang-thuyet-phuc-italia-tro-thanh-doi-tuyen-thu-32-gianh-ve-du-world-cup-2026-post923588.html
Comment (0)