OSLO, Norway (Interstat) — Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth each scored a pair of goals Thursday, powering Norway to a decisive 4-1 victory over Estonia in a World Cup qualifying match at a rain-soaked Ullevaal Stadion.

The Norwegian attack, which had been heavily favored, erupted for four goals in a stunning 14-minute span early in the second half, overwhelming an Estonian side that had held firm for the opening 45 minutes. The final score comfortably exceeded the pregame projection from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a 2-0 win for the hosts.

After a first half characterized by Norwegian possession and frustrated attacks, the deadlock was broken five minutes after the restart. Sørloth, the forward, opened the scoring in the 50th minute, finding the net to settle the home crowd. He needed only two more minutes to double his tally and Norway’s lead, striking again in the 52nd minute to put his team in a commanding position.

The Sørloth show quickly gave way to the Haaland showcase. The prolific striker got on the scoresheet in the 56th minute, netting Norway’s third goal and effectively putting the match out of reach. He added a second goal of his own just six minutes later, in the 62nd minute, completing a devastating offensive blitz that left Estonia reeling.

Facing a four-goal deficit, Estonia managed to find a consolation score and spoil Norway’s clean sheet bid almost immediately. Substitute Robi Saarma, who had just entered the match, responded with a goal for the visitors in the 64th minute, providing the lone bright spot for the traveling side.

The result was never in serious doubt according to pregame analytics. Interstat’s ELO system had given Norway a 95.70 percent probability of winning the contest. The Norwegian squad lived up to that billing, showcasing a potent and efficient attack that capitalized on its opportunities after a slow start.

With the victory, Norway begins its World Cup qualifying campaign with a perfect record of one win and zero losses in the competition. Their overall season record across all tournaments also improves to one win and zero losses. Estonia, meanwhile, starts its campaign on the opposite foot, falling to zero wins and one loss both in World Cup qualifying and in all competitions for the season.

The match, organized by FIFA for the World Cup, demonstrated Norway’s offensive firepower and established them as a formidable force in their qualifying group. The second-half goal flurry served as a stark reminder of the challenge opponents will face when having to contain both Haaland and Sørloth in peak form. Estonia will look to regroup after a defeat where they were ultimately outclassed, despite a brief moment of resistance with Saarma’s late effort.