Norway claimed a dominant 5-0 victory over Moldova in the UEFA qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup on March 22, 2025, showcasing their offensive prowess with early goals and an unyielding display of football.
As the match kicked off at 19:00 local time at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau, Moldova, the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation. Norway, led by their star forward Erling Haaland, wasted no time establishing control. They opened the scoring just five minutes into the game when Julian Ryerson found the back of the net after a well-executed attack involving Thelo Aasgaard, who provided the crucial assist.
Haaland, whose recent form has been nothing short of sensational, doubled the lead in the 23rd minute with a calculated finish from close range after receiving a deft pass from Alexander Sorloth, who combined skillfully with Martin Ødegaard and Andreas Schjelderup to create the scoring opportunity. By this time, it was evident that Norway was in full command of the match.
Things only got better for the Viking Reds when Thelo Aasgaard made it 3-0 in the 38th minute. This goal resulted from a corner kick taken by Ødegaard, which Aasgaard converted with precision, rifling the ball into the net. Just before halftime, Alexander Sorloth added another goal in the 43rd minute, again from a corner, further amplifying Norway’s momentum heading into the break, with a commanding 4-0 lead.
With the scoreline in their favor, Norway shifted gears in the second half, though they still dominated proceedings. At 69 minutes, Aron Dønnum capped off the scoring with the fifth goal for Norway, finishing off a brilliant move that showcased their attacking depth. This marked a perfect start for Norway in their World Cup qualifying campaign, where they aim to secure their place in the tournament after a long absence.
Moldova, on the other hand, faced difficulties throughout the match. Despite displaying some defensive organization, they were unable to mount any significant attacks, with their only noteworthy opportunity resulting in a shot that went wide. They finished the match without a single shot on target, which emphasized Norway’s defensive strength and dominance over the game.
Norway’s statistics reflected their control, with 59% possession compared to Moldova’s 41%. The Norwegian squad also registered five shots on goal, while the Moldovan team failed to register any.
The match was a continuation of Norway’s strong performance from the Nations League, where they had been averaging 2.5 goals per match, emphasizing their ability to attack effectively. Incoming challenges for Norway will include matches against Estonia and Israel, where they seek to maintain this strong form and meet their goal of returning to the World Cup.
As the players departed the pitch, echoes of Norway’s resounding footprint in the opening of Group I reverberated across Chisinau. This match signifies not only a positive start for Norway but also a warning to other teams in the grouping. They will undoubtedly be contenders for qualification as they aim for their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Despite Moldova’s struggles, this match offers them a chance to recalibrate their tactics as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against Estonia, where they hope to find their scoring form and eventually secure points in this tough qualifying campaign.