Haaland hits hat-trick as Norway thrash Israel; Ronaldo misfires in Portugal’s win over Ireland

Oslo: Erling Haaland strengthened his superstar credentials with a stunning hat-trick as Norway swept aside Israel 5-0 at home in World Cup qualifying on Saturday, while Cristiano Ronaldo failed to find the net as Portugal edged Ireland 1-0.

Haaland’s treble took his tally to 51 international goals in just 46 appearances, underscoring his remarkable scoring rate. In contrast, Ronaldo could not add to his men’s record of 141 goals, missing a penalty in Lisbon before teammate Rúben Neves netted a stoppage-time winner.

Both Haaland and Ronaldo endured frustrating moments from the spot — each failing to convert — on a night when even Europe’s biggest stars struggled with penalties. Spain’s Ferran Torres and Italy’s Mateo Retegui also saw their efforts saved.

Haaland’s Hat-Trick Powering Norway

In Oslo, Haaland was the standout as Norway recorded their sixth straight victory to extend their lead atop Group G. The Manchester City striker guided in an angled shot in the 27th minute, then struck with a powerful header in the 63rd and a close-range finish nine minutes later.

He was also involved in Norway’s third goal when his mere presence caused confusion between Israel’s goalkeeper and defender Dan Nachmias, resulting in an own goal. Israel striker Anan Khalaili had earlier turned the ball into his own net in the 18th minute.

Haaland’s performance lifted Norway to a perfect six wins, six points clear of second-placed Italy, with an impressive +26 goal difference (29 scored, 3 conceded).

There were pro-Palestinian protests before the match in Oslo.

Ronaldo Misses, Neves Delivers

In Lisbon, Portugal secured a third consecutive win to open up a five-point lead over Hungary in Group F, thanks to Rúben Neves’ last-gasp header.

Ronaldo had earlier spurned a chance to put Portugal ahead from the penalty spot in the 75th minute, blasting his effort straight down the middle. Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher stuck out his left foot to deflect the ball upwards before punching the air in delight, while Ronaldo held his face in his hands.

Fans at the Estádio da Luz paused in the 21st minute to applaud the memory of Diogo Jota, who wore that number for Portugal. The former Liverpool forward died in a car accident in July, along with his brother.

Neves, who now wears the No. 21 shirt, has a tattoo on his left calf in tribute to his late teammate.

In the other Group F fixture, Hungary beat Armenia 2-0 with goals from Dániel Lukács and Zsombor Gruber.

Spain and Italy keep pace

European champions Spain maintained their perfect record with a 2-0 victory over Georgia, staying top of Group E with nine points from three games and no goals conceded.

Missing teenage star Lamine Yamal through injury, Spain went ahead through Yeremy Pino midway through the first half, before Mikel Oyarzabal doubled the lead with a curling free kick after the break.

Second-placed Turkey kept the pressure on by thrashing Bulgaria 6-1, with Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz scoring twice.

Meanwhile, Italy overcame Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn but were again let down by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose late error gifted the hosts a consolation goal.

Moise Kean opened the scoring early for Italy before limping off with an apparent right ankle injury. Retegui added a second before halftime, and Pio Esposito tapped in from Leonardo Spinazzola’s cross in the 74th minute. Moments later, Donnarumma fumbled a routine cross to allow Rauno Sappinen a simple finish.