Erling Haaland delivered a performance of pure, unadulterated brilliance, single-handedly dismantling Moldova with a stunning four-goal haul to keep Norway's European Championship dreams burning brightly.
The Manchester City hitman was in devastating form from the outset, needing just 12 minutes to break the deadlock. He latched onto a precise through ball before coolly slotting it past the helpless Moldovan goalkeeper to send the home crowd into raptures.
His second, and Norway's crucial second goal, arrived just before the half-time whistle. Showing the instincts of a world-class predator, Haaland pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box to tap home, effectively killing the contest before the interval.
But the 23-year-old phenom was far from finished. He completed his well-deserved hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute after being fouled in the area, sending the keeper the wrong way with impeccable composure.
Not content with a mere trio of goals, Haaland saved his best for last. In the dying moments of the game, he unleashed a thunderous, powerful strike from outside the box that rocketed into the top corner, a fitting exclamation point on a truly masterful individual display.
This remarkable quadruple sees Haaland's international tally soar to an impressive 27 goals in just 28 appearances for his country, a statistic that cements his status as one of the most formidable forwards on the planet.
The comprehensive victory, orchestrated by their talisman, provides a massive boost for Norway's qualifying campaign. With this result, the Norwegians solidify their position in the group and apply intense pressure on their rivals for a coveted spot at next summer's tournament in Germany.
