Haaland brace earns Norway first competitive win over Denmark in 28 years

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Denmark 3-2 in Oslo to secure their first competitive victory against their Scandinavian neighbours in 28 years.

Norway made the stronger start in their opening UEFA Nations League match and took the lead after 14 minutes. Oscar Bobb remained onside to receive Martin Ødegaard’s pass before curling an excellent finish beyond Filip Jorgensen.

The hosts doubled their advantage four minutes later. Haaland laid the ball off after Ørjan Nyland’s long pass and then sprinted into the penalty area, where he met Antonio Nusa’s through ball and sent his finish between Jorgensen’s legs.

Denmark reduced the deficit through Mikkel Damsgaard, whose superb free-kick gave Nyland no chance.

Norway continued to create opportunities before the interval. Ødegaard set up another chance for Haaland, while Patrick Berg was denied by Jorgensen after being played in by the Manchester City striker.

Nyland was also tested before half-time, making a fine save to tip Joakim Mæhle’s long-range effort over the crossbar.

Denmark increased the pressure after the break and drew level in the 60th minute. Nyland initially kept out Morten Hjulmand’s header from Dorgu’s corner, but Rasmus Højlund reacted quickest to the rebound and fired the ball into the net.

Højlund nearly completed Denmark’s turnaround moments later, but Nyland produced another important save to push his effort on to the post.

Norway regained the lead in the 74th minute as Haaland completed his brace. Ødegaard took a short corner and Haaland met the return pass before applying a clinical finish.

Denmark’s attempt to respond suffered another setback in stoppage time when David Wolfe was sent off. He received a second yellow card for bringing down Gustav Isaksen.

Norway held on to extend their unbeaten home run in Oslo to 14 matches, with their last defeat there coming in March 2024.

Denmark’s wait for an away victory in the Nations League also continued, with the defeat leaving them without a win in their last six matches on the road in the competition.

Norway’s next Nations League fixture is against Portugal at Ullevaal Stadion on Sunday.