Haaland fails to score as Norway are reduced to ten men in defeat

Erling Haaland failed to score in the third matchday of the Nations League played on Thursday at the Cardiff City Stadium, where Norway lost 2-1 to Wales after the dismissal of Torbjørn Heggem at the start of the second half.

First goal and early changes

Oscar Bobb opened the scoring for Norway in the 11th minute, after a play that ended with the ball at the feet of Welsh goalkeeper Ward. In the same play, Julian Ryerson, the Borussia Dortmund full‑back, suffered an injury and had to be substituted. Cheung's report for MUNDODEPORTIVO highlighted the importance of the opening goal and the defender's exit.

Equaliser and dismissal

Daniel James levelled the match for Wales in the 38th minute, after a mistake in the Norwegian defence's clearance that allowed Thomas to receive a pass from Koumas and set up the Welsh striker. The equaliser came before halftime, keeping the game open. At the start of the second half, Torbjørn Heggem was sent off for a foul on James, leaving Norway with ten men.

Neco Williams took advantage of the numerical superiority and, three minutes into the second half, converted the penalty into the corner of Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, restoring the lead to Wales. Heggem's dismissal changed the game's dynamics and sealed the Welsh victory.

Consequences on the table

With this result, Norway and Wales each add three points in Group A4, as does Denmark, while Portugal leads with nine points. COM's report underscores that NORWAY's position in the table remains third in the group.

This was Wales' first win in the competition; the Welsh had been beaten in their first two matches against Portugal and Denmark, without scoring any goal. The triumph required numerical superiority, character and two goals in Cardiff.

As will be seen in the upcoming fixtures, Wales will face Denmark on October 4 and Norway will host Portugal on the same day, both matches in the fourth round of the Nations League.