Odegaard Sets Up Haaland as Norway Edge Denmark in Nations League Thriller
Norway opened their UEFA Nations League Group A campaign with a 3-2 win over Denmark in Oslo, as Martin Odegaard created the decisive goal for Erling Haaland from a rehearsed short-corner routine.
Odegaard and Haaland settle Scandinavian derby
Norway had raced into a two-goal advantage at Ullevaal Stadion through Oscar Bobb and Haaland, only for Denmark to drag the contest back level after the interval.
- Mikkel Damsgaard began Denmark’s fightback.
- Rasmus Hojlund completed the recovery to make it 2-2.
- Odegaard then combined with Haaland and Antonio Nusa from a short corner, delivering the final pass for Haaland to restore Norway’s lead.
Haaland’s winner was his 64th goal for Norway in only 56 appearances, taking him to a new all-time international scoring mark among Nordic national teams.
The result also ended Norway’s long wait for a competitive victory against Denmark. They had failed to beat their neighbours in 11 previous competitive meetings.
Set-piece coach receives Odegaard praise
Odegaard credited set-piece coach Pal Fjelde after the final whistle, revealing the corner routine had been presented to him and Haaland before the game and quickly approved by both players.
“Pal Fjelde deserves the praise today,” Odegaard said. “He did a very good job and his preparation paid off.”
The Arsenal midfielder stressed that Norway needed a winning start after their summer international schedule, while admitting that defeating Denmark made the occasion even more meaningful because of the sides’ rivalry and history.
Portugal next, but Solbakken has a problem
Norway sit at the top of Group A alongside Portugal after the opening round, but coach Stale Solbakken has warned his players that they must improve before Portugal arrive in Oslo.
- Norway will recover before their next home fixture against Portugal.
- Odegaard is targeting a second consecutive group victory as captain.
- Solbakken may need to alter his left-back plans after substitute David Moller Wolfe was sent off in stoppage time against Denmark.
Norway survived Denmark’s second-half surge, but the hosts will now face a tougher test as they attempt to build on a statement opening-night result.
