Haaland hits hat-trick as Norway crush Israel amid pro-Palestinian protests

Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick to surpass 50 international goals in record time as Norway cruised to a 5-0 thrashing of Israel on Saturday, edging closer to qualifying for their first World Cup finals since 1998.

Before the match in Oslo, hundreds of people attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration, chanting "Free Palestine" in protest against Israel's "genocide" in Gaza. 

Norwegian police dispersed the gathering with tear gas and made several arrests.

Inside the Ullevaal Stadium, several dozen Israeli fans waved their national flag and displayed a banner reading "Let the Ball Talk!".

Norway now lead Group I with 18 points, six clear of second-placed Italy, who beat Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn to stay on track for qualification.

The comfortable victory in Oslo leaves Norway firmly in control of the group as they seek a place at next year's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

After a meek performance, Israel will face Italy in Udine on Tuesday knowing they must win to keep their fading qualification hopes alive.

Haaland became the fastest player in men's international football to reach 50 goals for his country and now boasts 51 goals in just 46 appearances for Norway.

His early penalty was saved by Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, but the referee ordered a retake for encroachment inside the area. Peretz denied Haaland again from the second attempt.

Norway took the lead in the 18th minute through an Anan Khalaili own goal, before Haaland raced clear to double the advantage. The hosts went 3-0 up thanks to another own goal, this time from Idan Nachmias.

The Manchester City striker then added his second with a powerful header before nodding in again to complete his sixth hat-trick for Norway with 18 minutes remaining.

Italy, aiming to reach their first World Cup finals since 2014, moved a step closer thanks to goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Pio Esposito in Tallinn.

The Italians are now three points ahead of Israel in second place in Group I, which offers a play-off spot.

Italy's clash with Israel is expected to be a tense affair, surrounded by pro-Palestinian protests, with only 5,000 tickets sold so far.

Missed Ronaldo spot-kick

In Lisbon, Cristiano Ronaldo saw his second-half penalty saved by Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, but Portugal snatched victory in stoppage time when Ruben Neves headed home.

Neves wore the number 21 shirt in tribute to his late teammate Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash earlier this year. Jota had worn the same number for Portugal.

The hard-fought 1-0 win puts Portugal five points clear of Hungary at the top of Group F.

The Hungarians beat Armenia 2-0, and Ireland's meeting with Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday is now a do-or-die encounter.

European champions Spain maintained their perfect qualifying record with a 2-0 victory over Georgia, courtesy of goals from Yeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Turkey remain three points behind in Group E after thrashing Bulgaria 6-1 in Sofia.

Albania, who have never qualified for a World Cup, boosted their hopes with a 1-0 win away to Serbia thanks to a goal from Rey Manaj.

The Albanians sit second in Group K behind England, four points clear of third-placed Serbia.