In a tense match decided by fine margins, Norway maintained their unbeaten run in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers by defeating Estonia 1-0 in Tallinn. The lone goal from Erling Haaland in the 62nd minute was enough to secure the three points and keep the Scandinavian team at the top of Group I, with a 100% success rate.
For Estonia, the home defeat further complicates their qualification chances, leaving the team in fourth place with just 3 points. Despite defensive resilience and some clear opportunities, the Estonians couldn’t withstand Norway’s superiority, as the Norwegians now aim for a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup something the country hasn’t achieved since 1998.
Image by: flashcore.com.gh
⚽ FIRST HALF: Norway dominates, but Estonia holds firm
The match started with Norway pressing from the opening minutes, leveraging their attacking power with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. However, Estonia remained well organized defensively, closing spaces and disrupting Norway’s creative plays.
📌 Key moments of the first half:
33’ – Norway’s first big chance!
After a precise cross from Alexander Sørloth, Morten Thorsby found himself alone in the box and headed the ball, but it went just wide of the right post.
39’ – Sander Berge almost scores!
The Fulham midfielder took a long-range shot that skimmed the post, leaving Estonian goalkeeper Karl Hein with no chance to react.
45’ – Haaland wastes a one-on-one chance!
In a quick counterattack, Ødegaard set up Haaland, who advanced into the box and fired a strong shot, but Hein made a great save to keep it 0-0 at halftime.
Despite Norway’s dominance (62% possession), Estonia held firm, displaying a compact defense and looking for quick counterattacks.
⚽ SECOND HALF: Haaland delivers, but Estonia hits the post twice!
The second half began with Norway increasing the pressure, while Estonia tried to exploit spaces behind the opposing defense.
📌 Key moments of the second half:
47’ – Haaland hits the post!
After a cross from the right, Haaland outjumped the defense and headed powerfully, but the ball struck the crossbar.
54’ – Estonia responds and also hits the post!
In a rare dangerous play, Vlasiy Sinyavskiy shot from outside the box, and the ball hit Ørjan Nyland’s post, putting Norway on alert.
62’ – NORWAY GOAL! Erling Haaland breaks the deadlock!
After a quick play, Martin Ødegaard advanced and passed to Haaland, whose first shot was blocked by Maksim Paskotsi, but he capitalized on the rebound to score. 1-0 Norway!
73’ – Estonia almost equalizes! Paskotsi hits the post again!
From a long-range shot, Paskotsi saw the ball deflect off Rauno Sappinen’s shoulder and bounce off the crossbar, leaving the stadium in suspense.
90+3’ – Estonia’s last chance!
A cross into the box led to a header, but it went over the bar, ending Estonia’s hopes.
📊 IMPACT ON THE STANDINGS: Norway leads, Estonia struggles
With this result, Norway remains the outright leader of Group I, with 12 points in 4 matches, maintaining a 100% record. Ståle Solbakken’s squad is inching closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, a feat they haven’t achieved since 1998.
Meanwhile, Estonia stays in fourth place with just 3 points, needing urgent improvements to stay in contention.
🧠 TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Norwegian dominance vs. Estonian resilience
🔵 NORWAY (4-3-3): Possession control and offensive efficiency
System: 4-3-3 with Haaland as the focal point.
🔵⚪ ESTONIA (4-4-1-1): Compact defense and counterattacks
System: 4-4-1-1, prioritizing tight marking.
⭐ MAN OF THE MATCH: Martin Ødegaard (Norway)
The Arsenal midfielder was named Flashscore’s best player with a decisive performance:
📅 UPCOMING MATCHES: Norway eyes qualification, Estonia seeks a reaction
NORWAY:
Norway vs. Moldova – 08/09 – Qualifiers
Norway vs. Italy – 11/10 – Qualifiers
The team needs just two more wins to edge closer to qualification.
ESTONIA:
Italy vs. Estonia – 05/09 – Qualifiers
Estonia vs. Israel – 08/09 – Qualifiers
Estonia faces tough matches and urgently needs wins to stay in the race.
🎯Norway advances, Estonia fights on
Norway confirmed their favoritism in Group I and is getting closer to returning to the World Cup. Meanwhile, Estonia showed resilience but must improve offensively to keep their qualification hopes alive.
News cover by: outlookindia.com
