Arnautovic leads Austria to dominant 5-1 win over Norway in Nations League

LINZ, Austria: Austria’s Marko Arnautovic scored twice in a resounding 5-1 victory over Norway in their UEFA Nations League Group B3 clash on Sunday. The hosts not only overwhelmed Norway but also managed to keep the prolific Erling Haaland quiet throughout the match.

Haaland, fresh off becoming Norway’s all-time top scorer with his 34th goal in a 3-0 win over Slovenia, came close to scoring early, hitting the post in the sixth minute. However, it was Arnautovic who opened the scoring just two minutes later, smashing a powerful shot off the underside of the bar. Though Norway’s Alexander Sorloth leveled the game in the 39th minute, Austria regained the lead soon after halftime when Arnautovic converted a penalty following a reckless challenge by Norway’s Andreas Hanche-Olsen.

Austria sealed the match with a flurry of three headed goals in the space of 13 minutes. Philipp Lienhart, Stefan Posch, and substitute Michael Gregoritsch all capitalized on Norway’s defensive collapse, leaving coach Stale Solbakken visibly frustrated.

With the win, Austria, Norway, and Slovenia are now tied on seven points, while Kazakhstan remains bottom of the group with just one point.