If you were watching the Norway national football team vs Kazakhstan national football team showdown back in November 2024, you saw exactly why Erling Haaland is the most feared human being in a penalty box. It wasn't just a win. It was a statement. A 5-0 drubbing at the Ullevaal Stadion that basically told the rest of Europe that Norway is tired of missing out on the big parties.
Honestly, the first time these two met in the Nations League cycle, things were... weird. Kazakhstan managed to scrap out a 0-0 draw in Almaty. Norway had 19 shots that day and couldn't find the net once. People were starting to whisper. Was Ståle Solbakken’s project stalling? Could Norway actually dominate a game without just relying on a moment of magic?
Fast forward to the return leg in Oslo, and those questions got answered pretty quickly.
The Night Haaland Broke the Record (Again)
You’ve gotta feel for the Kazakh defenders. They came into this match after a grueling travel schedule, and within 23 minutes, the plan was already in the bin. Haaland pounced on a rebound after Antonio Nusa’s shot was parried by Stas Pokatilov. 1-0. Simple.
But he wasn't done.
✨ Don't miss: What Time Did the Cubs Game End Today? The Truth About the Off-Season
Thirteen minutes later, he rose for a header that felt like it stayed in the air for three business days. 2-0. By the time Alexander Sørloth smashed in the third right before halftime, the game was essentially over. Kazakhstan looked shell-shocked. They didn't have a single shot on target the entire match. Not one.
The second half was a victory lap. Haaland completed his 25th career hat-trick in the 71st minute with a clinical low finish. Then Antonio Nusa—who is legitimately one of the most exciting teenagers in world football right now—curled in a beauty to make it five.
Why This Match Flipped the Script for Norway
For a long time, the Norway national football team has been the "nearly" team. They have the superstars but often lack the grit to finish top of a group. This 5-0 win changed that. Because Austria drew 1-1 with Slovenia on the same night, Norway leapfrogged them to finish first in Group B3.
That means promotion to League A. It means playing the giants like Spain, France, and Germany regularly.
🔗 Read more: Jake Ehlinger Sign: The Real Story Behind the College GameDay Controversy
A Tale of Two Nations
- Norway: Finished with 13 points, 15 goals scored, and a ticket to the top flight.
- Kazakhstan: It was a rough run. One point from six games. Zero goals scored. Relegated to League C.
Kazakhstan’s coach, Stanislav Cherchesov, had a nightmare of a tournament. While they showed flashes of defensive discipline in that initial 0-0 draw, the lack of any offensive output eventually broke their spirit. You can't survive in League B if you don't score. It's just not possible.
Beyond the Scoreboard: The Tactical Shift
What most people missed about the Norway national football team vs Kazakhstan national football team game was how Norway played without Martin Ødegaard. The Arsenal captain was out with an injury, and usually, that’s a death sentence for Norway’s creativity.
Instead, Sander Berge and Kristian Thorstvedt stepped up in a big way. They kept the ball moving fast. They didn't let Kazakhstan sit in their low block and get comfortable. Nusa was the real X-factor, though. His ability to beat a man on the wing opened up the space that Haaland thrives in.
Norway’s xG (Expected Goals) was 2.25, but they scored five. That is the "Haaland Tax" in action. He doesn't need high-quality chances; he just needs the ball.
💡 You might also like: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
What This Means for Your Next Bet or Bracket
If you're following these teams into the World Cup qualifiers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Norway is no longer a one-man show. Yes, Haaland gets the headlines, but the supporting cast of Nusa, Sørloth, and Ryerson is becoming elite.
Kazakhstan, on the other hand, needs a total identity shift. They’ve proven they can park the bus, but they need to find a way to transition into attack without losing their defensive shape. Watching them in League C will be interesting—they’ll likely be the "big fish" there, which might give them the confidence to actually start shooting again.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch Antonio Nusa: If he’s on the pitch, Norway’s offensive ceiling doubles. He’s the key to unlocking stubborn defenses.
- Track Kazakhstan's Home Games: They are a completely different beast in Almaty. The travel distance alone makes them a nightmare for visiting teams, even if they struggle on the road.
- Monitor Norway's League A Performance: The step up in competition will be the ultimate test for Solbakken. Can they defend against elite strikers, or will they have to outscore everyone 4-3?
The 5-0 result in Oslo wasn't just a lopsided scoreline. It was the moment Norway finally stopped acting like an underdog and started playing like a powerhouse.
For those looking to analyze future matchups, keep a close eye on the fitness of the Norwegian midfield. When they control the tempo, Haaland becomes inevitable. When they lose the middle of the park—like they did in their 5-1 loss to Austria earlier that same year—everything falls apart. Consistency is the final boss for this Norwegian generation.
Next Steps for Deep Analysis
To get a better handle on where these teams are headed, look into the individual player heatmaps from the 2024 Nations League season. Notice how Norway's full-backs, particularly Julian Ryerson, have started playing much higher up the pitch, essentially acting as wingers. For Kazakhstan, study their defensive rotations in the first 30 minutes of games; they are statistically much more vulnerable early in the second half when fatigue from their defensive style sets in. Follow the upcoming European Qualifiers to see if Norway can maintain this momentum without their key creative outlets.