Oslo opened its Nations League campaign in a rush of noise and movement, then had to endure Denmark’s recovery before Erling Haaland settled a five-goal Scandinavian contest. Norway emerged with a 3-2 win in Group 4, taking three valuable points ahead of their next meeting with Portugal on the 27th.
The home side began with purpose, moving the ball quickly and putting Denmark under immediate pressure. The breakthrough came after 14 minutes when Bobb struck to give Norway the lead, setting the tone for a first half in which Martin Ødegaard repeatedly linked play and looked for his centre-forward.
Haaland doubled the advantage four minutes later. Found inside the penalty area, the Manchester City striker finished clinically for 2-0, seemingly placing Norway in command as Denmark struggled to contain the hosts’ combinations and direct service towards their leading scorer.
Denmark, however, found their route back through transition attacks and the spaces left behind Norway’s forward momentum. Damsgaard reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with an outstanding free-kick, and the goal altered the mood of the evening. Denmark grew bolder, pushed higher up the pitch and increasingly tested Norway goalkeeper Nyland.
Denmark’s surge meets Haaland’s answer
The visitors’ pressure was rewarded on the hour. Nyland could only spill a ball into danger and Højlund reacted to the rebound, finishing to make it 2-2. Norway, so comfortable during the early stages, were now defending against a Danish side that appeared capable of completing the turnaround.
Instead, Norway’s most decisive player intervened again. With 75 minutes played, Ødegaard picked out Haaland after a corner sequence and the striker drove a powerful effort into the net for his second goal of the night. It restored Norway’s lead at the moment Denmark had been controlling the contest.
Denmark could not recreate the intensity that had brought them level, while Norway held firm through the closing stages. The stands in Oslo celebrated with the Viking rowing gesture that became widely known during the World Cup, as the hosts saw out a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Haaland had scored once while Norway were on top and then again when they most needed a response. His double gave Norway the ideal start in a group that also includes Wales, with Portugal awaiting in their next assignment.
