Soccer-Haaland hits five as Norway thrash Moldova 11-1 in World Cup qualifier

Soccer Football - World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group I - Norway v Moldova - Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway - September 9, 2025 Norway's Erling Haaland in action with Moldova's Artur Craciun Cornelius Poppe/NTB via REUTERS

OSLO (Reuters) -Norway's Erling Haaland scored five goals and substitute Thelo Aasgaard added four more as they hammered hapless Moldova 11-1 to take another huge step towards qualifying for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.

With five games played, the Norwegians top Group I on 15 points, six ahead of second-placed Italy, who have a game in hand. Moldova's worst defeat leaves them bottom of the group with no points.