Erling Haaland breaks Nordic international scoring record in Norway win

Erling Haaland became the highest-scoring Nordic men’s international player after his two goals helped Norway beat Denmark 3-2 in the Nations League.

The Manchester City striker scored his 63rd and 64th goals for Norway in his 56th appearance, moving beyond Sweden great Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 62 goals in 122 matches.

Haaland’s second goal came in the 74th minute and secured Norway’s first competitive victory over Denmark.

Norway manager Stale Solbakken said Haaland’s remarkable finishing ability was an innate quality rather than something that could be developed through coaching.

“It is not possible to explain, nor is it possible to learn. He is born with it. It is instinct,” Solbakken said.

Haaland made his senior Norway debut in 2019 and has now scored more than once per game on average for his country.

Norway midfielder Sander Berge was also struck by the significance of the 26-year-old’s latest achievement.

“It’s madness,” Berge said. “It’s everyday business that Haaland scores goals, so it’s reasonable that he is up there, but it’s powerful.”

The Manchester City forward has also moved level with Brazil legend Ronaldo on 62 international goals and has now surpassed him. Ronaldo scored 62 times for Brazil before retiring in 2011.

Haaland’s latest landmarks have lifted him to second on the overall Nordic international scoring list, behind Sweden’s Lotta Schelin. Schelin scored 88 goals for Sweden’s women’s team.

Haaland makes the difference against Denmark

The striker’s clinical finishing proved decisive in a closely contested match, with Danish broadcaster DR analyst Michael Sten Jensen highlighting his influence.

“Norway has him, and they should be thankful for that on a night where his sheer ruthlessness ensured the Norwegians secured the bragging rights,” Jensen said.

Danish newspaper B.T. said Denmark had been “brutally punished by Norway’s most dangerous man”.

Denmark will have an opportunity to respond when they host Norway in the final Nations League group match on November 17.

Norway’s next fixture is against Portugal on Sunday.