Norway lost despite Haaland scoring

Norway After replacing Erling Haaland, Norway conceded two consecutive goals and lost 1-2 to Scotland in Group A of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

* Scored: Haaland pen 61' - Dykes 87', McLean 89'.

A defeat in the third round on June 17 could cost Norway their place at Euro 2024. In a group of five teams with the best two advancing to the finals, Norway has only one point, while Scotland has nine points, far ahead of Spain.

Haaland was not completely happy in his first match for the national team after nine months. Photo: AFP — Haaland was not completely happy in his first match for the national team after nine months. Photo: *AFP*

Having failed to win after two matches, Norway focused all their energy on their home game against direct rivals Scotland. European stars Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Ola Solbakken and Alexander Sorloth all started at Ullevall Stadion. Against Scotland, who played a large defensive 5-4-1 formation, the Nordic representatives were deadlocked in the first half.

After an hour of play, Norway took the lead thanks to Haaland's moment of brilliance. The Man City striker was fouled by centre-back Ryan Porteous in the penalty area after a cross from Sorloth. Haaland himself converted the penalty, scoring his first goal for club and country in six games. It was also Haaland's 59th goal this season at both levels.

Norway took the initiative after the opening goal. In a tight game, coach Stale Solbakken withdrew three key players from the 84th minute, including Haaland. After the match, the 55-year-old strategist revealed that Haaland asked to be substituted because he was exhausted. He said that Norway played as if they were handicapping one player for about 10 minutes before the 22-year-old striker left the field.

Tragedy struck for Norway soon after, as Scotland scored twice in the 87th and 89th minutes. Striker Lyndon Dykes took advantage of Ostigard's indecisive handling to equalise, then set up substitute Kenny McLean to seal a 2-1 victory for Scotland.

McTominay (left) celebrates Scotland's 2-1 winning goal with his teammates. Photo: AP

Norway had a poor start to Group A when Haaland missed the first two qualifiers in March through injury. The Nordic side have now picked up just one point from three games and are eight points behind leaders Scotland. With Spain in the group, Norway’s chances of qualifying have been further squeezed by their defeat on 17 June. Scotland, meanwhile, have a good chance of making it to back-to-back Euro finals for the first time since 1996.

Vy Anh

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