Haaland Scores Twice as Norway Beats Denmark 3-2 in Nations League - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Norway opened their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League A Group D campaign with a 3-2 victory over Denmark at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo on Friday.
Erling Haaland spearheaded the host team's victory with a two-goal performance. Oscar Bobb had earlier set the pace by opening the scoring for the home side.
Denmark delivered a spirited comeback, scoring two goals through Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Hojlund.
The victory propels Norway to the top of Group D with three points. The team leads the standings on goal difference over Portugal, who secured a 1-0 win against Wales in the group's other fixture.
According to UEFA's official website, Norway will host Portugal in their next outing, while Denmark takes on Wales.
Norway set an aggressive pace from the opening whistle. Bobb broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, finishing an incisive pass from Martin Odegaard.
Four minutes later, Haaland doubled the hosts' lead. The Manchester City striker latched onto Antonio Nusa's short pass inside the penalty box to make it 2-0.
Refusing to back down, Denmark managed to reduce the deficit in the 25th minute. Damsgaard curled an exquisite free kick past goalkeeper Orjan Nyland. The 2-1 lead held until halftime.
Denmark maintained their high-pressing game after the restart. Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Hojlund brought the match level. Hojlund pounced on a loose rebound after Nyland parried an initial attempt in front of goal, making it 2-2.
Norway regained control, with Haaland providing the decisive moment once more. In the 74th minute, Haaland connected cleanly with Odegaard's cutback, firing a powerful strike past the Danish keeper. The finish marked Haaland's second goal of the night and restored Norway's 3-2 lead.
Late drama ensued in the closing stages. Norway were reduced to 10 men during stoppage time when David Wolfe received a second yellow card for pulling Gustav Isaksen's shirt.
Denmark attempted to capitalize their numerical advantage, but failed to find another opening before the final whistle. Norway held firm to seal the 3-2 victory.
Norway (4-3-3): Orjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, Fredrik Aursnes; Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg; Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa.
Denmark (4-2-1-3): Filip Jorgensen; Joakim Maehle, Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provostgaard, Rasmus Nissen; Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Morten Hjulmand; Victor Froholdt; Mikel Damsgaard, Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu.
