{"id":13031,"date":"2025-11-17T13:21:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T10:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/?p=13031"},"modified":"2025-11-17T13:21:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T10:21:21","slug":"norway-secure-first-world-cup-spot-since-1998","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/football-news\/norway-secure-first-world-cup-spot-since-1998\/","title":{"rendered":"Norway Secure First World Cup Spot Since 1998"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Norway wrote a new chapter in their football history after overturning a halftime deficit to thrash Italy 4\u20131 in Milan, sealing their first FIFA World Cup qualification since 1998. It was a match loaded with grit, resilience, and moments of pure brilliance\u2014especially from the unstoppable Erling Haaland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Kenyan football enthusiasts who love a good underdog story, this clash served all the ingredients: tension, tactical twists, and late-match fireworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Nervy First Half for Norway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

St\u00e5le Solbakken\u2019s men arrived in Milan buzzing with confidence, knowing they were only a step away from ending a 28-year World Cup drought. But Italy, desperate and under pressure due to their recent qualification woes, came out roaring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their early aggression paid off in the 11th minute when Federico Dimarco slipped a clever ball to Francesco Esposito, who spun sharply before slipping his shot under \u00d8rjan Nyland. Italy dominated possession afterward, but wasted several chances\u2014something they would deeply regret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At halftime, Norway were lucky to trail by just one. But what followed was a masterclass in character and tactical adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Norway
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Norway\u2019s Second-Half Renaissance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The visitors returned with new intent. Alexander S\u00f8rloth and Kristian Thorstvedt came close early on, signaling a shift in momentum. Norway\u2019s persistence finally paid off in the 63rd minute when the electric Antonio Nusa darted into the box and lashed a superb strike past Gianluigi Donnarumma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The equalizer awakened the Norwegians and rattled the Italians. The pace rose. The stadium vibrated with tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the real twist was still to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Haaland Turns the Game on Its Head<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For 78 minutes, Italy had kept Haaland unusually quiet. Then he erupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, he volleyed home a stunning goal from Oscar Bobb\u2019s inch-perfect cross. Moments later, he doubled the lead with his trademark composure\u2014an outside-of-the-foot finish that sent Norwegian fans into delirium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two goals. Two minutes. Destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Italy stunned and desperate, Norway pushed one last time. In stoppage time, substitute J\u00f8rgen Strand Larsen weaved through the Italian defence to score a brilliant solo goal, sealing a historic 4\u20131 victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Norway
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why This Win Matters for Norway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n