Norway 1-2 Scotland: Steve Clarke’s men seal INCREDIBLE late comeback victory

Beneath a sapping sun, Erling Haaland went to the well once more, and this time found relief for his drought. But he could only watch in shock as Norway were left with their fingers and backsides burnt having withdrawn their talisman late in the game, allowing Scotland to score twice in a sensational turnaround.

At least it means Haaland will get a breather next summer. While most of Europe competes in Germany at Euro 2024 – and that will surely include Steve Clarke’s courageous Scots – the continent’s best player will be on holiday.

It was Haaland’s opposing No.9, Lyndon Dykes of QPR, who stole the headlines from him here. The Manchester City star had departed on 84 minutes after scoring for the first time in six matches, winning and converting a penalty on the hour.

Three minutes after his substitution, Scotland were level, Dykes pouncing on an error by defender Leo Ostigard to toe in from close range. Then, less than two minutes later, the scorer cushioned a John McGinn cross into the path of Kenny McLean and he steered cosily into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

It was smash and grab, a mugging in broad daylight, yet there was nothing deceitful about it. The sun sets at 11pm here, and Clarke’s team are as honest as that day is long.

Scotland sealed an incredible comeback victory with two last-minute strikes in Oslo on Saturday

Erling Haaland (left) initially opened the scoring for the hosts against Scotland in Oslo

Scotland are top of Group A on maximum points after winning all three of their qualifying matches so far

This win means they are top of Group A on maximum points after three matches, while Norway are eight behind and second bottom of the group.

And what about Haaland? He needs a rest. In fairness, this weather, 33C at kick-off, is meant more for the Ibiza beach bars in which he partied last weekend. Because for all the heat, Haaland had ran cold, his driest run in front of goal for more than two years.

A humidity intensified by a sell-out crowd – the hottest ticket in the hottest town – did not aid his cause in this, his 56th match of the season. But then, just as he was about to steal onto Ola Solbakken’s delivery and head in from two yards, Scotland’s Ryan Porteous panicked and clipped his heels. 

The defender did well to escape with a yellow but Haaland handed down his own punishment by burying into the bottom corner. He was a picture of cool, and that was in stark contrast to the previous hour.

Come half-time, he had touched the ball once in the penalty area and just seven times in total. That involvement close to goal was quickly curtailed when a heavy touch allowed Callum McGregor to clear.

Haaland looked like he was bringing in an aeroplane as he waved his arms in frustration towards his defenders. The instruction was clear – go long and go high. That they did. And, on 41 minutes, his minder Jack Hendry executed a foul so cynical that is deserved applause. 

Without it, a tug and comedy collapse on top of Haaland on halfway, the striker would have been in on goal. Hendry was booked. Job done.

Haaland finished the half with an XG of 0.00. You assumed he started all matches on at least 1.00. And when he finally got that goal on 61 minutes, it felt like it would be enough to see home victory. Dykes, however, had other ideas.