🇳🇴 Haaland Powers Norway to Flawless Form
Norway’s golden boy Erling Haaland continues his unstoppable form, netting the winner in a 1–0 victory over Estonia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers. With this result, Norway maintains a 100% record, winning all four of their group matches so far.
- Haaland struck in the 62nd minute, pouncing on a rebound to slot home the decisive goal.
- This marks his 42nd goal in 43 international appearances—a truly remarkable feat.
- Norway now sits at the top of Group I with 12 points, ahead of Israel and Italy.
The victory also showcased Norway’s defensive discipline, with a composed backline protecting their slim lead against a spirited Estonia. Haaland’s consistency has made him one of the most feared strikers in world football, and he’s leading his nation toward their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
🇭🇷 Croatia’s Ruthless Display Destroys Czechia
Over in Group L, Croatia delivered a masterclass, hammering Czechia 5–1 in one of their most dominant performances in recent years.
- Andrej Kramarić opened the scoring with a precise finish early in the game.
- Czechia briefly threatened a comeback when Tomas Souček equalized after halftime.
- However, Croatia responded in devastating fashion:
- Luka Modrić converted a penalty.
- Ivan Perišić added another with a brilliant strike.
- Ante Budimir scored from the spot, and
- Kramarić capped the rout with his second goal.
The four-goal second-half blitz left Czechia stunned and reaffirmed Croatia’s dominance in the group. With this win, Croatia remains unbeaten and looks poised to qualify with ease.
Group Highlights at a Glance
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Goals Scored | Star Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | 4 | 4 | 4+ | Erling Haaland |
| Croatia | 2 | 2 | 8+ | Kramarić, Modrić |
What This Means
- Norway is making a strong case for World Cup qualification, powered by a player in top form. If Haaland continues this run, the Nordic nation might finally return to football’s grandest stage.
- Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists and 2022 semi-finalists, once again look dangerous. Their blend of experience and flair is proving too much for their opponents.
Final Thoughts
Both Norway and Croatia are sending a clear message: they mean business. While Haaland’s consistency keeps Norway on a dream run, Croatia’s clinical performance proves they’re not just qualifying—they’re preparing to contend.
As the qualifiers progress, fans can expect more thrilling football, dramatic finishes, and breakout performances. Keep an eye on these two teams—they’re not done yet.