Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 3-2 win over Denmark at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.
Oscar Bobb broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, curling into the far corner after a pass from captain Martin Ødegaard. Four minutes later Antonio Nusa jinked into the box and slipped Haaland through; the Manchester City striker finished first time past Filip Jørgensen. Mikkel Damsgaard pulled Denmark back with a stunning free-kick from about 25 yards before half-time, and Rasmus Højlund levelled on the hour.
Match facts
- Result: Norway 3-2 Denmark (half-time 2-1)
- Competition: UEFA Nations League A, Group 4, Matchday 1
- Venue: Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo
- Scorers: Norway - Bobb 14', Haaland 18', 74'; Denmark - Damsgaard 25', Højlund 60'
- Red cards: Møller Wolfe (Norway) 90+3', second yellow
- Next: Norway v Portugal, Sunday 27 September; Denmark v Wales
Haaland seals it
Haaland restored Norway’s lead in the 74th minute, hammering home after a well-worked corner with Ødegaard again involved in the build-up. The brace continued a prolific run that included seven goals for Norway at the 2026 World Cup before a quarter-final exit to England — his first international outing since that tournament.
Late drama still followed: substitute David Møller Wolfe was shown a second yellow card in the 93rd minute for a foul on Gustav Isaksen, but Norway held on through five minutes of added time to go top of League A Group 4 on goals scored from Portugal, who beat Wales 1-0 on the same evening.
Five-goal Scandinavian derby
Possession finished nearly even (Norway 48.7%, Denmark 51.3%). Both sides created 13 shots apiece. Ståle Solbakken’s Norway led 2-1 at the break; Brian Riemer’s Denmark responded through Højlund before Haaland’s second settled the points. Assists for Norway went to Ødegaard (14th and 74th minutes) and Nusa (18th). Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland made five saves as Denmark kept pressing after the equaliser.
What happens next
Matchday 2 is on Sunday 27 September 2026: Norway host Portugal at Ullevaal, and Denmark face Wales. Haaland and company will look to defend top spot at home against Jesus’s Portugal; Denmark need a response after conceding three in Oslo if they are to climb off the bottom half of the early table.