World Cup qualifiers: Upsets, Blowouts, and Tight Contests
Norway Stuns Italy in Group I
Norway delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Italy in their Group I World Cup qualifier at Ullevaal Stadium. teh dominant performance left Italy reeling, marking a significant upset in their campaign.
The match saw Norway take an early lead with Alexander Sirloth scoring in the 14th minute. Antonio Nusa extended the lead in the 34th minute, followed by Erling Haaland, who found the net in the 42nd minute, giving Norway a commanding 3-0 advantage before halftime.
norway maintained their lead throughout the second half, securing a decisive victory. Following this result, Norway now leads Group I with 9 points. Italy, conversely, is left with zero points after their first match.
In the other group I match, Israel defeated Estonia 3-1 away, bringing their score to 6 points, while estonia remains at 3 points.
Macedonia Holds Belgium to a Draw in Group J
North Macedonia secured a surprising 1-1 draw against Belgium in their group J match at Tose Proeski Arena. The result marks a significant achievement for the home side against a strong opponent.
Belgium took the lead in the 28th minute with a goal from Maxim cuyper.Though, North Macedonia fought back, with Ezgjan Alioski scoring in the 86th minute to level the score. The match ended 1-1, with both teams sharing the points.
following this result, North Macedonia now has 5 points, while Belgium earned 1 point from their first match.
In the other match of the group,Wales defeated Liechtenstein 3-0 at home,placing them at the top of the group with 7 points.
Croatia Dominates Gibraltar in Group L
Croatia secured the most dominant victory of the qualifiers, defeating Gibraltar 7-0 in their Group L match. The Croatian side displayed their attacking prowess in a one-sided affair.
Mario Pasalic opened the scoring for Croatia in the 28th minute, followed by Ante Budimir in the 30th minute. Franjo Ivanovic added two more goals in the 60th and 63rd minutes, while Ivan Perisic scored in the 73rd minute. Andrej Kramaric completed the rout with goals in the 77th and 79th minutes.
with this win, Croatia starts the group with 3 points, while Gibraltar remains at zero points.
In the other match in Group L, Czechia defeated Montenegro 2-0, maintaining their lead in the group with 9 points. Montenegro has 6 points.
