Solbakken sympathises with Moldova after 11-1 World Cup Qualifier thrashing
Norway manager Stale Solbakken expressed sympathy for Moldova’s Serghei Clescenco after his side’s 11-1 demolition in Monday’s World Cup qualifier, a result that put the Norwegians firmly on top of Group I.
The emphatic win, played in front of a jubilant home crowd, underlined Norway’s attacking power and gave them a crucial edge in goal difference, which could prove decisive in the race for automatic qualification against four-time world champions Italy.
Norway now sit six points clear of second-placed Italy, who have a game in hand, while Moldova remain bottom of the group with no points from five matches. It was only the third time in Norway’s history that they scored 11 or more goals in a single game, the last being an 11-0 victory over the United States in 1948. For Moldova, it marked their heaviest-ever defeat.
Solbakken admitted he felt for his opposite number.
"I know how much pain he is in. He ran straight into the dressing room, I barely had the chance to thank him for the match. That really hurts," Solbakken said.
With Norway now holding a 16-goal advantage over Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy, Solbakken believes the performance could be decisive.
"Hopefully this was a strong statement and the goal difference is now tipping in our favour," he added.
Moldova’s only consolation came in the 74th minute, when a Norwegian own goal briefly lifted the visitors.
"It is a shame for us. This is my fault. And I understand that we need to think carefully about what to do next," said a visibly emotional Clescenco before leaving the press area.
Moldovan goalkeeper Cristian Avram also revealed a classy gesture from Norway’s star striker Erling Haaland, who scored five times on the night.
"I spoke with Erling. He said, 'It’s not my fault,' and that he just had to keep trying to score because of the goal difference. I understand him," Avram told Norwegian broadcaster TV2, adding that he appreciated the apology from the Manchester City forward.
SportsLigue