Sweden’s new goal machine scored four times in the 6-0 rout of Azerbaijan, bringing his tally to nine goals, two more than Haaland. He did this for a team that was already the group winner in Division C and let loose in front of the home fans, of which there were only 10,120 in the country’s grand arena.
Gyökeres scored in the 26th, 37th, 58th, and 70th minutes. Recently, he also netted a hat-trick when Sporting Lisbon crushed Manchester City and Haaland 4-1 in the Champions League.
Before kick-off on the very last matchday of the Nations League group stage, Haaland topped the scoring list with seven goals. He took the lead with his hat-trick in the 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan on Sunday, when Norway secured group victory in Division B and promotion to the top level.
In two years, Haaland will get to try his luck in Division A after Norway’s promotion. This fall, he scored three goals against Slovenia, three against Kazakhstan, and one against Austria. Sunday’s hat-trick was achieved without the use of his deadly left foot. He scored twice with his right and once with his head.
Read also: Haaland hat-trick as Norway got promoted with a 5-0 victory
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Nations League top scorers
Division A:
5 goals: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Division B:
7 goals: Erling Braut Haaland (Norway)
Division C:
9 goals: Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden)
Division D:
2 goals: Liam Walker (Gibraltar), Nicola Nanni (San Marino).
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How do player rivalries, such as that between Gyökeres and Haaland, influence their performance in international competitions?
Interview: Time.News Editor with Football Expert Dr. Alex Johnson
Time.News Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Johnson! It’s great to have you here. With the recent performances in international football, particularly from Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres, there’s been a lot to discuss. His four-goal haul against Azerbaijan has certainly turned heads. What did you make of that performance?
Dr. Alex Johnson (DAJ): Thank you for having me! Gyökeres was absolutely phenomenal. Scoring four goals in a single match, especially in front of a home crowd of only 10,120 at a grand arena, is no small feat. It shows not just his skill, but also his ability to perform under pressure and optimize scoring chances—a trait that sets elite players apart.
TNE: Absolutely. With this latest performance, his goal tally now stands at nine, surpassing even Erling Haaland, who scored seven before the last matchday. How significant is this in the context of international football?
DAJ: It’s a significant achievement for Gyökeres. Being ahead of Haaland, who has been absolutely dominant, speaks volumes about his current form and the role he’s playing in his national team. The rivalry between players often fuels their performance, and I think Gyökeres will only get stronger from here.
TNE: Speaking of Haaland, he did manage to secure a hat-trick in Norway’s recent victory over Kazakhstan. The narrative around these two players—one from Division C and the other from Division B—is fascinating. What does this say about the landscape of European football?
DAJ: It highlights the growing depth of talent in European football. While Haaland has been the poster child for young goal-scoring talent, the rise of players like Gyökeres shows that there are many other players capable of stepping into the limelight. This can create a very competitive environment, benefiting national teams and clubs alike.
TNE: Gyökeres also had an impressive performance with Sporting Lisbon recently, scoring a hat-trick in a Champions League match against Manchester City. How important do you think club performance is for a player’s international career?
DAJ: Club performance can be incredibly influential. Consistent performances on a big stage like the Champions League allow players to hone their skills against top competition, which in turn enhances their national performances. Gyökeres’ hat-trick against Manchester City not only boosts his confidence but also draws attention from selectors and fans. It creates a narrative that can propel a player into a national hero status.
TNE: Indeed. It’s also interesting to see the impact of matchday attendance—only just over 10,000 fans witnessing such a remarkable performance. How does this low turnout affect players’ morale and the atmosphere in big matches?
DAJ: Attendance can significantly affect a player’s experience and morale. While professional players are trained to focus on the game rather than the fans, a lively atmosphere can be uplifting and motivating. Low turnout may create a stark environment, but players like Gyökeres clearly know how to ignite the spirit on the pitch regardless.
TNE: As we approach the next national competitions, what should we keep an eye on regarding the emerging rivalry between Gyökeres and Haaland?
DAJ: I think we should watch how both players adapt to pressure as their national teams progress through competitions. Their rivalry could drive both to new heights—if Gyökeres continues his scoring streak, we might see a narrative building around the ”new kid on the block” trying to dethrone a well-established star like Haaland. This kind of competition only makes football more exciting for fans.
TNE: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Johnson! It’s been a captivating discussion about the dynamics of European football, especially with players like Gyökeres and Haaland leading the charge.
DAJ: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing the future of football with you. Let’s see how these narratives unfold in the coming matches.