Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Denmark in Oslo.
The Manchester City striker returned to international action after scoring seven goals during Norway’s historic World Cup run, which ended with a quarter-final defeat to England, and quickly picked up where he left off.
Norway took the lead through Oscar Bobb, who collected a pass from captain Martin Odegaard before curling a composed finish into the far corner.
Haaland doubled the advantage four minutes later after Antonio Nusa created space with a sharp run into the penalty area. The winger slipped the ball into Haaland’s path, allowing the forward to beat goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen with a first-time finish.
Denmark responded almost immediately. Brentford midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard struck a superb 25-yard free-kick, completing a burst of three goals in 11 minutes and bringing the visitors back into the contest.
Rasmus Hojlund then equalised on the hour mark, leaving the match level at 2-2.
Norway regained control in the 74th minute. A well-worked corner reached Haaland inside the area, and he powered home his second goal of the night to restore the hosts’ advantage.
The closing stages became more difficult for Norway when substitute David Moller Wolfe received a second yellow card in stoppage time, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
Denmark were unable to take advantage, however, and Norway held on for all three points.
The victory sent Norway to the top of League A Group 4 after the opening round, with Portugal defeating Wales 1-0 in the group’s other fixture.