OSLO (The Thursday Times) — Erling Haaland scored a late penalty as Norway beat Wales 3-1 in the Nations League in Oslo on Saturday, a result that leaves Wales certain to finish bottom of Group A4.
Antonio Nusa gave Norway the lead on the hour when Wales failed to clear a corner, and substitute Andreas Schjelderup doubled it nine minutes later, tapping in from close range after Haaland set him up. The goal survived a VAR check for offside.
David Brooks came off the bench to pull one back 11 minutes from time, playing a one-two with Harry Wilson and lifting the ball over goalkeeper Egil Selvik. But Connor Roberts then brought down Schjelderup, and Haaland sent the penalty past Karl Darlow two minutes from the end.
The goal ended a two-game run without scoring for Norway and took the Manchester City striker to 66 goals in 60 internationals, extending his national record. It was also his 23rd goal in the Nations League, a record for the competition.
Relegation play-off looms
Wales had the better chances in a goalless first half, played with the temperature in Oslo below zero. Daniel James twice shot wide after Wilson set him up and then forced the first save of the game from Selvik, while Ben Davies cleared with Haaland waiting at the far post.
Norway’s win avenged their defeat in Cardiff a month ago, Wales’ first victory at this level, and lifted them above Craig Bellamy’s side into third place. Wales host group leaders Portugal on Tuesday, but they cannot catch Norway or Denmark because of their inferior head-to-head record, and are almost certain to face a relegation play-off against a League B side in March.
Third place or better carried an extra prize: top seeding in qualifying for Euro 2028, which would keep the continent’s heavyweights out of a team’s group.
Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals in the summer, beating Brazil on the way. Portugal, already through to the quarter-finals, were due to host Denmark later on Saturday with their No. 7 shirt altered in honour of Cristiano Ronaldo, who retired from international football this month.
