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Erling Haaland scored twice, including the decisive second-half winner, as Norway survived a spirited Denmark comeback to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory in their UEFA Nations League opener in Oslo.
Norway appeared to be cruising after racing into a two-goal lead inside the opening 18 minutes at Ullevaal Stadion, but Denmark fought their way back to 2-2 before Haaland struck again to settle an entertaining Scandinavian battle.
The hosts were also forced to finish the match with 10 men after David Møller Wolfe was sent off in stoppage time.
Bobb and Haaland Give Norway Dream Start
Norway needed only 14 minutes to break the deadlock.
Martin Ødegaard helped create the opening for Oscar Bobb, who produced a composed finish to put the hosts ahead.
Just four minutes later, Norway doubled their advantage.
Antonio Nusa drove forward before releasing Haaland, and the Manchester City striker made no mistake with a powerful left-footed finish past Filip Jørgensen.
At 2-0 after only 18 minutes, Norway looked firmly in control.
Denmark, however, responded quickly.
Mikkel Damsgaard dragged the visitors back into the contest in the 25th minute with an excellent free-kick, reducing the deficit before half-time and changing the momentum of the match.
Denmark Fight Back Through Højlund
Denmark carried their improvement into the second half and eventually found the equaliser on the hour mark.
Following a corner, Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland kept out the initial danger, but Rasmus Højlund reacted quickest to head home and make it 2-2.
The comeback appeared complete.
But with Haaland leading the Norway attack, Denmark's work was not finished.
Fourteen minutes later, Norway produced a clever short-corner routine. Ødegaard worked his way into position before cutting the ball back for Haaland, who fired home his second of the evening to restore Norway's lead.
Haaland Makes the Difference Again
Haaland's two goals ultimately separated two closely matched teams.
Both Norway and Denmark finished with 13 shots and seven efforts on target, while possession was almost evenly divided. Norway, however, generated the better-quality opportunities, recording an expected-goals figure of 1.47 compared with Denmark's 1.08.
Haaland finished with five attempts, four on target, and received a 9.0 Sofascore rating for his performance.
Ødegaard was also central to Norway's attacking display, playing a role in both Bobb's opener and Haaland's winning goal.
Late Red Card Adds to the Drama
There was still time for one final moment of tension.
David Møller Wolfe received a second yellow card in stoppage time after stopping a Denmark attack, leaving Norway to defend their narrow advantage with 10 men.
Denmark pushed for another equaliser, but Norway held on to secure all three points.
The victory gives Norway the perfect start to their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League League A campaign, with Portugal and Wales also competing in Group A4.
For Denmark, the comeback showed plenty of character but ultimately produced no reward.
For Norway, the difference was familiar.
When they needed a decisive moment, Erling Haaland delivered it twice.
