Norway fell apart in Slovenia.
Benjamin Sisko became the hero of the match for the Slovenes, who at the same time made sure to make Sweden’s battle for survival in the second division even more difficult.
Erling Haaland was present from the start as Norway continued to chase group wins in the Nations League, and the 22-year-old’s scoring form surely will continue.
The Norwegians had plenty of chances to go ahead in the first half, and center back Leo Ostegaard probably thought he gave Norway the lead when he headed a header into the net. However, the goal was disallowed for a foul, then Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak made two saves to keep the first half goalless.
Slovenian mistakes behind Haaland’s goal
The second half was only minute in time when Zahn Karennik was responsible for a blunder in the Slovenian defense, a foul that became costly after Haaland hit his right foot to make it 1-0 for Norway. The goal means his sixth goal in the group stage, and the fact is that Haaland scored all but one of Norway’s goals.
The Swedish Nightmare – Slovenia turned around and won
However, the Slovenes will take revenge. With twenty minutes remaining, Andraz Sporar appeared at the far post and the score tied 1-1.
And it will get worse for Sweden, too. Benjamin Sisko kicked the ball and shot from distance, slithering the ball into the net at the bottom of the post to make it 2-1 for Slovenia.
Norway’s final push yielded no result, and Slovenia held out and took three points ahead in the fight to avoid the last place in the group. At the same time, they put pressure on Sweden, who currently occupy a huge place in the group, which means they risk playing in Division C in the Nations League next year.
Sweden and Slovenia meet in a crucial head-to-head relegation match on Tuesday.