The Republic of Ireland’s group rivals Hungary picked up their first win of the World Cup qualifying campaign as they saw off Armenia 2-0 in Budapest.
The Hungarians, who had not won either of their first two games last month after drawing 2-2 with Ireland at Aviva Stadium and losing against Portugal, were frustrated in the first half by the Armenians.
But Daniel Lukacs broke the deadlock 11 minutes into the second half, before Zsombor Gruber made sure Marco Rossi’s side picked up all three points with a late second.
The result leaves Hungary on four points, leapfrogging Armenia into second place in Group F, while Ireland are bottom with one point before facing group leaders Portugal in Lisbon later on Saturday.
Erling Haaland ensured Norway took another huge step towards a first World Cup finals since 1998
Elsewhere in Group I, Norway ran riot with a 5-0 win at home to Israel as Erling Haaland struck a hat-trick to celebrate his 50th international goal and help move his side to the brink of a place at next year’s tournament.
Norway have now won all six of their Group I matches, boasting a goal difference of plus 26 ahead of their remaining two fixtures against Estonia and second-placed Italy, who sit nine points behind with two games in hand.
Despite missing a twice-taken penalty early on, Haaland found his rhythm, scoring once in the first half and twice after the break to reach his 50-goal milestone and finishing the night with an incredible 51 in 46 internationals.
Israel added to their own misery with two own goals in the first half from Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias.
Additional reporting: Reuters