Norway
Norway 3-1 Wales. Erling Haaland delivered a late dagger to Wales’ hearts as Norway cruised to a dominant UEFA Nations League victory in Oslo.
Wales Struggle Against Norway’s Early Press
The Dragons started tentatively, pinned back by Norway’s aggressive press. Ethan Ampadu’s 16th-minute yellow card – for a desperate lunge on Haaland – set the tone for a tough afternoon. Despite Norway’s 55% possession and relentless probing, Wales somehow survived to halftime, their goal living a charmed life.
Norway’s Second Half Onslaught
The deadlock was broken on 59 minutes by the precocious Antonio Nusa. The Club Brugge wonderkid latched onto a loose ball and rifled past Karl Darlow from 20 yards. Seven minutes later, Norway doubled their lead through Andreas Schjelderup, who clinically finished a Haaland assist. At 2-0, with Norway’s xG already a healthy 2.61, Wales looked dead and buried.
Wales Brief Uprising
But this Dragons side has spirit. In the 79th minute, David Brooks gave Wales a lifeline, converting Harry Wilson’s cross to make it 2-1. Suddenly, Norway were rattled. Yet hopes of a comeback were dashed when Haaland, inevitably, stepped up to convert an 88th-minute penalty after Wales felled Schjelderup in the box.
What This Means
Norway’s Nations League campaign roars on, powered by their talismanic number 9. For Wales, a sobering defeat leaves them bottom of League A Group 5, their defensive frailties exposed by Haaland and co.
Key Moments
59′ ⚽ Norway — Antonio Nusa
68′ ⚽ Norway — Andreas Schjelderup (assist: Erling Haaland)
79′ ⚽ Wales — David Brooks (assist: Harry Wilson)
88′ ⚽ Norway — Erling Haaland🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
