Austria stormed to a stunning 5-1 victory over Norway in a UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group B3 clash in Linz, leveling points with their rivals at the group’s top. It was a statement win from Austria, who had only managed two victories in their last seven meetings with Norway. This time, however, they were ruthless, leaving the visitors stunned on a night filled with drama, goals, and a surprising power outage.
Early Drama and Arnautović’s Magic
With Norway missing their midfield maestro Martin Ødegaard, the focus was on their talismanic striker Erling Haaland, who wore the captain’s armband. The Borussia Dortmund forward nearly gave his side an early lead, rattling the woodwork just six minutes into the game. However, Austria struck first, capitalizing on the home advantage.
Marko Arnautović, the ever-reliable Inter Milan forward, delivered a moment of brilliance. He breezed past Andreas Hanche-Olsen and unleashed a thunderous shot that rocketed off the underside of the bar, giving Ørjan Nyland no chance. Austria was off the mark, and the Linz crowd roared in approval.
Norway Fight Back
The opening goal sparked a flurry of chances on both ends. Alexander Sørloth and Haaland tried their luck for Norway but couldn’t find the target. At the other end, Christoph Baumgartner saw his effort saved by Nyland in a crucial moment for Norway.
That save was a turning point as Norway equalized just before halftime. A controversial free-kick led to an Austrian protest, but referee decisions stood firm, and Sørloth headed in from Julian Ryerson’s cross. The game was level at 1-1, setting up a thrilling second half.
Austria Surge in the Second Half
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria came out of the dressing room fired up, and the intensity showed right from the start. Austria maintained their composure despite a brief stadium blackout that left the crowd in darkness. Three minutes into the second half, they won a penalty after Hanche-Olsen brought down Baumgartner.
Arnautović stepped up and confidently slotted the ball into the bottom corner, restoring Austria’s lead. It was just the beginning of Austria’s second-half dominance.
Headers Rain Down
From that point, Austria took complete control of the match. In the 58th minute, Philipp Lienhart rose above the Norwegian defense to head in Romano Schmid’s corner, doubling Austria’s advantage. Just minutes later, Stefan Posch made it 4-1, heading home from a perfectly placed Marcel Sabitzer cross. The Norwegians, reeling from Austria’s relentless pressure, had no answer.
To add salt to Norway’s wounds, Austria scored a fifth through Michael Gregoritsch, who nodded in another Sabitzer assist. The hosts were flying high, and the victory was sealed.
Norway Left Reeling
Norway, missing Ødegaard’s creativity in the middle, couldn’t find a response. Despite his best efforts, Haaland was left frustrated by Austria’s organized defense and his teammates’ inability to create meaningful chances. It was a sobering defeat for the Norwegians, their first in five matches without Ødegaard, and one that sees Austria climb level on points with them in Group B3.
Austria’s Bright Future
This was Austria’s second consecutive UEFA Nations League win, an impressive turnaround after a six-game winless streak. Ralf Rangnick’s team has rediscovered its spark, and its dominant display in Linz will give it confidence as it continues its UNL campaign. With Arnautović leading the line and players like Baumgartner and Sabitzer supporting, Austria looks like a team on the rise.
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Conclusion
Austria’s 5-1 demolition of Norway was a masterclass in attacking football. From Arnautović’s dazzling performance to Austria’s set-piece dominance, this was a night to remember for Austrian fans. With the Nations League group finely poised, this win sets up an exciting end to the campaign. Can Austria maintain their momentum and take control of Group B3? Time will tell, but they’re well on their way based on this performance.
Key Points:
- Austria’s 5-1 victory over Norway levels the two sides on points in Group B3.
- Arnautović scored twice, with Baumgartner, Lienhart, Posch, and Gregoritsch on the scoresheet.
- Norway struggled without Ødegaard, with Haaland unable to inspire his team.
- Austria is on a two-game winning streak after a tough Nations League run.
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