England Thrash Serbia, Haaland Stars in World Cup Qualifying
England showcased their prowess with a commanding 5-0 victory over Serbia, while Erling Haaland delivered a sensational performance, scoring five goals as Norway maintained their perfect record. Other European heavyweights, including Portugal and France, also secured important victories to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
England 5-0 Serbia
England sent a strong message to their World Cup rivals with a stunning 5-0 win against Serbia in Belgrade. The Three Lions came under scrutiny after a laborious 2-0 victory over Andorra, but they answered their critics emphatically. Harry Kane opened the scoring with a header from a Declan Rice corner in the 33rd minute. Just two minutes later, Noni Madueke doubled the lead, finishing calmly after a clever flick-on from Morgan Rogers.
Ezri Konsa added a third early in the second half, capitalizing on a loose ball following a free-kick. England’s dominance continued as Marc Guehi scored from another Rice set-piece, before Marcus Rashford capped off the night with a late penalty. With this victory, England could secure their spot in the World Cup during their next Group K match against Latvia.
Norway 11-1 Moldova
Norway responded to Italy’s thrilling 5-4 win over Israel with an astonishing 11-1 rout of Moldova. Erling Haaland was the standout performer, netting a first-half hat-trick and adding another goal shortly after the interval. Martin Ødegaard contributed with a goal and two assists, while Felix Myhre opened the scoring early. Thelo Aasgaard, who came off the bench, completed an 11-minute hat-trick, showcasing Norway’s attacking depth. With this win, Norway sits six points clear of Italy and is on track to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.
France 2-1 Iceland
France overcame a shaky start to secure a 2-1 victory over Iceland at the Parc des Princes. Arni Gudjohnsen put Iceland ahead in the 21st minute, but Kylian Mbappé equalized with a penalty just before halftime. The French team took control in the second half, with Mbappé assisting Bradley Barcola for the go-ahead goal. Despite a late disallowed effort from Gudjohnsen, France held on for the victory and remains three points clear of Iceland in Group D.
Portugal 3-2 Hungary
In a thrilling encounter, Portugal edged Hungary 3-2 at the Puskas Arena. After Barnabas Varga put Hungary ahead, Bernardo Silva leveled the score before Cristiano Ronaldo netted his record-extending 141st international goal from the penalty spot. Varga seemed to have salvaged a point for Hungary until Joao Cancelo snatched victory with a late goal. Portugal’s win follows their opening 5-0 triumph against Armenia, keeping them at the top of Group F.
