What Erling Haaland whispered to Moldova’s keeper after 11-1 rout

Last Updated on 10 September 2025

Norway’s World Cup qualifier turned into a goal fest, with Erling Haaland running riot and bagging five in an astonishing 11–1 victory over Moldova.

Moldova were completely outplayed on the night and even the one consolation goal they scored was an own-goal.

The Norwegian team took a major step to World Cup qualification, moving six points clear at the top of the group, thanks to a brilliant Erling Haaland display.

Thelo Aasgard also scored four, while Arsenal’s club captain, Martin Odegaard and Felix Horn Myrhe joined in with a goal apiece.

Erling Haaland’s words of comfort for Moldovan goalkeeper Cristian Avram

Bad days are quite common if you’re professionally employed as a goalkeeper. That said, it’s rare to concede goals in double digits over 90 minutes. Unfortunately for Cristian Avram, that’s exactly what happened.

Credit where it’s due, Avram showed up for media duties after conceding 11 goals. There’s also no shame in conceding a bunch from the best striker in the world. But as far as Avram is concerned, Erling Haaland shedded his ruthless side for some words of comfort, too.

In a post-match interview with TV 2, Avram revealed that Haaland put his hands up saying it’s ‘not his fault’ because the team needed the goals for a better goal difference.

Erling Braut Haland celebrates after scoring the 2-0 goal during the football match between Norway and Moldova. (Photo by FREDRIK VARFJELL/NTB/AFP via Getty Images)

That was a kind gesture from Manchester City’s no.9, who was in fine form. Haaland also recorded two assists and gave up the chance to take a penalty for Thelo Aasgard’s hat-trick.

Manchester City will hope Erling Haaland can bring that form into the Manchester derby

It’s always good see your striker scoring goals, even if they are on international duty. Haaland has already started the Premier League campaign with three goals in three games. He added six to his club and country tally for the season in two games on international duty.

Pep Guardiola will be thrilled with his striker’s top form and hope he can grab a few against Manchester United on the 14th of September. Haaland does boast a wonderful record against United, scoring 6 goals in five Premier League matches.

City’s recent form has been poor. They lost their last two games in the Premier League, falling to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton Hove & Albion. Haaland’s form, though, is an ominous sign for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United, as City look to get back to winning ways.