BEOGRAD (Aftenposten): Erling Braut Haaland was again decisive for Norway, and he earned praise from the heroes of the 90s during the game.

SERBIA-NORWAY 0–1

Serbia pressed and had great chances. But Norway has Erling Braut Haaland.

And the star striker in particular made a powerful contribution to Norway’s 1-0 win on Thursday night. It was a dream start to a Nations League tournament in front of a disgruntled Serbian crowd.

Haaland’s winning goal came just before half-time. Thus, the 21-year-old scored in his sixth consecutive international game. There are a number of high-profile stars that John Carew, Tore André Flo and Ole Gunnar Solskjær never tackled.

Haaland made sure to give Norway a dream start on the way to the 2024 European Championship. In the World Cup qualifiers, Norway were knocked out after Haaland missed the last four games through injury.

– We completely depend on it. We are not a better nation than we need everyone to be with. Erling is one of the best players in the world, so obviously he’s important to us,” midfielder Stefan Strandberg told Aftenposten.

Get compliments from 90s heroes

To ignite this match, it takes a leading Norwegian phenomenon.

The opening minutes were rather tame and lacked chances. But every time Haaland was near the ball, it was as if a spark was ignited. Then there can be a roar of hope through the audience. Like when he came on after 18 minutes and ran forward, but his shot missed.

Then Serbia was warned. But they still couldn’t stop Haaland. Norway started well in attack, with Martin degaard playing free right-back Marcus Holmgren Pedersen. He played the ball invitingly in front of goal, where Haaland of course was and scored with ease.

Haaland found the Serbian with a change of direction just before the post. “Class,” wrote Lars Bohinen Twitter. He was part of the Norwegian team Drillo in the 90s.

Serbian Opportunity

Serbia, who will play the World Cup this fall, woke slightly after Norway’s lead goal.

Initially, both Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic were equally dangerous up front. And after the break, several baluba occurred on the Norwegian field.

After 56 minutes, there must be another miracle. Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic was able to volley home from close range, but goalkeeper rjan Nyland threw himself to the side and saved it.

Then Norway turned its back to the wall. Midway through the second half, Haaland was replaced by Morten Thorsby. Now it has to be fought for.

– Sørloth and Holmgren Pedersen didn’t find out from the right. “Then we chose to beat Erling ten minutes earlier than planned,” said Ståle Solbakken, who stressed that Haaland was unscathed.

On several occasions, the home fans called for punishment. But the most solid chances were wasted in the last minute.

– It was a very good match from the whole team. “We were compact, cynical and got the result we wanted,” said Marcus Holmgren Pedersen.

PS. Norway’s next match is away against Sweden on Sunday evening.