N.Orway hopes for qualifying for their first World Cup this century have been hit hard after falling to a 3-0 home loss Turkey in the second round of Europeans gaining qualification for Qatar 2022.
After failing to face Gibraltar on Wednesday, it was the second game in a row without a goal for Erling Haaland at Borussia Dortmund.
The 20-year-old’s form in the Bundesliga this season has led many to believe he could be the man to end his country’s World Cup hiatus.
Norway I didn’t play at a World Cup finals since then France 1998 and it is crucial that they pick up points against their main rivals, the Netherlands and Turkey, in Group G for Qatar 2022.
But, Haaland his team was replaced 3-0 down Saturday, taking a place Morten Thorsby with seven minutes of the game left to go.
Prior to the international break, the youngster had been fertile for Dortmund, scoring at least two goals in three of his last four games – against Bayern Munich, Sevilla and Koln.
Since their engagement with Norway, however, the targets have dried up. Alexander Sorloth, Kristian Thorstvedt and Jonas Svensson filled them in the 3-0 win over Gibraltar, while Stale SolbakkenA white side was drawn against Turkey.
If Norway are to qualify for Qatar – either by finishing first in their group or through the rematch – they need their star striker to reproduce his club form in red shirt.