Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick, surpassing 50 international goals in record time, as Norway cruised to a 5-0 win, putting them firmly on track for their first FIFA World Cup finals since 1998.

Prior to the Saturday evening match in Oslo, hundreds of protesters gathered outside Ullevaal Stadium, chanting “Free Palestine” to denounce Israel’s actions in Gaza, AFP reported. Norwegian police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and made several arrests.

Inside the stadium, a small group of Israeli fans waved their national flag alongside a banner reading “Let the Ball Talk!”

Norway now tops Group I with 18 points, six ahead of second-placed Italy, who defeated Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn to maintain their own World Cup hopes. The emphatic win in Oslo leaves Norway in control of the group as they aim for qualification to next year’s finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Israel, after a disappointing display, will face Italy in Udine on Tuesday, needing a victory to stay in contention.

Haaland’s Hat-Trick Highlights Norway’s Dominance

Haaland became the fastest male player in international football to reach 50 goals, now totaling 51 in just 46 appearances.

His opening penalty was saved by Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, though a retake was ordered due to encroachment. Peretz parried the second attempt as well, but Norway took the lead in the 18th minute when Anan Khalaili scored an own goal, followed by Haaland’s first strike. A second own goal, this time by Idan Nachmias, made it 3-0 before Haaland added a powerful header and later a close-range finish to complete his sixth hat-trick for Norway.

Norway has not featured in a major international tournament since Euro 2000.

Italy, aiming to reach their first World Cup since 2014, moved closer thanks to goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui, and Pio Esposito, moving three points clear of Israel in second place. Their upcoming clash with Israel is expected to be tense, with pro-Palestinian protests ongoing and only 5,000 tickets sold.