Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, scored a hat-trick in Norway’s 3-0 victory over Kosovo in an international friendly match, bringing his international goal tally to 30. This achievement puts Haaland just three goals shy of Jorgen Juve’s record of 33, a record that has remained unbroken since before World War Two.

Despite Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024, finishing six points behind Scotland in Group A, Haaland had much to celebrate in Oslo. His first goal came just 15 minutes into the match, a powerful header from a precise cross by David Moller Wolfe. This marked Haaland’s first goal for his country since Norway’s 4-0 victory over Cyprus in October of the previous year.

The team, led by coach Stale Solbakken, had to wait until the 70th minute for their second goal. Haaland finished off a swift counter-attack initiated by Antonio Nusa, securing his position as the Premier League’s golden boot winner.

Just five minutes later, Haaland celebrated his third hat-trick for Norway and the 22nd of his career by tapping into an empty net after a neat link-up play with Aron Donnum. With this, Haaland is now on the brink of becoming Norway’s all-time top scorer.

Norway’s next match is scheduled against Denmark on June 8. As Haaland closes in on the record, fans and teammates alike will be eagerly anticipating his performance.