Erling Haaland scored from the penalty spot as Norway beat Wales 3-1 in the UEFA Nations League in Oslo on Sunday, leaving the visitors at the bottom of Group A4.
Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup scored twice in nine second half minutes to put Norway in control. David Brooks pulled one back for Wales before Haaland sealed the win with a late penalty.
The defeat confirmed Wales would finish bottom of the group regardless of their final match against Portugal on Tuesday. Wales could still finish level on points with Denmark and Norway, but their poor record against both teams means they cannot move above them.
The visitors started brightly and almost took the lead inside two minutes. Harry Wilson failed to connect properly with Brennan Johnson’s cross. Daniel James then wasted two good chances. He sent one effort wide after a quick counterattack before missing the target again later in the first half.
Norway also threatened through Haaland and Martin Odegaard, but Wales defended well to keep the score at 0-0 at the break. The hosts finally broke through in the 59th minute. Joe Rodon cleared a corner from Julian Ryerson, but the ball fell to Nusa, who fired into the bottom corner.
Schjelderup doubled Norway’s lead nine minutes later after Haaland set him up for a close finish. A VAR check confirmed the goal. Wales refused to give up and found a way back in the 79th minute. Brooks exchanged passes with Wilson before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Egil Selvik.
But Norway ended any hopes of a comeback in the 88th minute when Connor Roberts fouled Schjelderup inside the penalty area. Haaland stepped up and converted the penalty to score his 23rd Nations League goal. It was also his 66th goal in 60 international appearances.
The result gave Norway revenge for their defeat to Wales in Cardiff last month. Wales will now face Portugal in their final group match before turning their attention to a possible relegation playoff in March.
