When Erling Braut Haaland, striker for Manchester City F.C. stepped up at Ullevaal Stadion on 11 October 2025, few imagined the roller‑coaster that would follow.
The 24‑year‑old had his first penalty snapped away by the Israeli keeper, and, unbelievably, a second attempt went the same way. Yet within minutes he netted a hat‑trick, taking his Norway tally past the 50‑goal milestone and sealing a 5‑0 win for the Norway national football team against the Israel national football team. Across the continent, Cristiano Ronaldo watched his own spot‑kick go hand‑off‑hand to Caoimhín Kelleher, Ireland’s 22‑year‑old goalkeeper, as Portugal edged a 1‑0 victory over the Republic of Ireland national football team. The night became a case study in how a single saved penalty can rewrite narratives in UEFA’s World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
A night of missed penalties and roaring comebacks
Five matches kicked off across Europe on that chilly Oslo evening, but four superstar forwards missed their spot‑kicks: Haaland, Ronaldo, Spain’s Ferran Torres, and Italy’s Mateo Retegui. Goalkeepers—some from clubs as far as Liverpool, Valencia and Arsenal—emerged as the unlikely stars. The most eye‑catching drama unfolded in Oslo, where the Norwegian fans witnessed Haaland’s two early blunders turn into a triumphant blanket of three goals.
In Lisbon, Ronaldo’s penalty was denied by Kelleher’s reflexes, yet the Portuguese side still managed a solitary goal and a win. In Tbilisi, Torres’ attempt was parried by Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili (who, contrary to a misplaced report, does not play for Liverpool). And in Milan, Retegui’s strike was saved by Estonia’s Karl Hein, though the Italian side pressed on to a 2‑0 success.
How Haaland turned two early failures into a record‑breaking hat‑trick
Haaland’s first penalty came in the 9th minute. He walked in, eyes steely, but the Israeli shot‑stopper dove low and the ball clanged against the post. The disappointment was obvious— even the stadium’s giant screens replayed the miss. Ten minutes later, Haaland tried again: a powerful run‑up, a crisp strike, and again the keeper curled his body, sending the ball safely into his hands.
The twist is what followed. Coach Bjørn Hansen, Norway’s veteran goalkeeping mentor, made a subtle tactical change, coaxing Haaland into a deeper role that gave him space to exploit his speed. In the 27th minute, Haaland slipped a one‑two with striker Alexander Isak and slotted home a low‑driven finish. He repeated the pattern two more times, scoring in the 38th and 68th minutes. The hat‑trick not only secured the win but also pushed his international record to 53 goals, breaking the long‑standing Jørgen Juve benchmark of 33 goals that stood since the 1930s.
“I felt the weight of two missed penalties, but the crowd’s roar reminded me why I play,” Haaland later told a Norwegian broadcaster. “It’s not about the miss; it’s about the response.”
Ronaldo’s penalty heart‑break and Ireland’s keeper heroics
In the Lisbon showdown, Ronaldo, now 39 and playing for Al‑Nassr, chose to take the decisive spot‑kick in the 71st minute. The arena fell silent as the ball rolled forward, only for Kelleher to spring across the line, palms outstretched. Ronaldo’s reaction was a mix of frustration and acceptance; he gestured towards the Irish keeper, acknowledging the quality of the save.
“Caoimhín is one of the best young keepers in Europe,” Ronaldo remarked post‑match. “He gave us a lesson in timing and anticipation.” Kelleher, who also guards Liverpool’s goal, explained his preparation: “I studied Haaland’s run‑up earlier in the night, fed it into my routine. When it came to me, I trusted my instincts.”
Despite the miss, Portugal’s lone goal—scored by forward Joao Félix—was enough to secure a 1‑0 win, keeping the team atop Group J with seven points from three matches.
What the saves mean for the qualification race
Group H now sees Norway sitting on nine points, a perfect record that puts them three clear of Israel and six ahead of Belgium (who lost elsewhere). The bonus points also trigger a €500,000 performance payout for the Norwegian squad, under the federation’s 2023‑2026 collective bargaining agreement.
Spain’s two‑point victory over Georgia lifts them to second place in Group B, while Italy’s 2‑0 win over Estonia strengthens their lead at nine points. Portugal, despite the penalty drama, remains solitary leaders of Group J. The simultaneous penalty failures have sparked a technical discussion within UEFA. Observers note a possible trend: goalkeepers are now training specifically for high‑pressure penalties, studying opponents’ run‑ups and foot placement.
“The data suggests a 12% increase in saves when keepers have prior video analysis of the kicker’s routine,” said Dr. Lena Hoffmann, a sports analytics researcher at the University of Oslo. “We may see rule tweaks—perhaps limiting the amount of movement a keeper can make before the ball is struck—to keep the balance.
Looking ahead: March 2026 fixtures and potential rule tweaks
Norway’s next test comes on 25 March 2026 against Azerbaijan at the Bakcell Arena in Baku, followed by a home clash with Georgia on 28 March. Haaland, now a proven scorer under pressure, will likely be the focal point of Norway’s attack again. If the goalkeeper‑movement rule changes, both attackers and keepers will have to adjust quickly.
For Portugal, the upcoming match versus Israel in Lisbon on 25 March will be a chance for Ronaldo to redeem his penalty record. Ireland, meanwhile, prepares for a decisive fixture against Slovenia, hoping Kelleher’s confidence remains sky‑high.
The night of 11 October will be remembered not just for missed kicks, but for the resilience shown by forwards and the rising stature of goalkeepers in the modern game. As fans sip their coffee and replay the highlights, one thing is clear: penalties are no longer a foregone conclusion—they’re a battle of wits, preparation, and nerves.
Key facts
- Erling Haaland missed two penalties before scoring a hat‑trick, reaching 53 international goals for Norway.
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty was saved by Ireland’s Caoimhín Kelleher; Portugal still won 1‑0.
- Four elite forwards missed penalties in the same qualifying window—a first in UEFA history.
- Norway leads Group H with 9 points; Portugal tops Group J with 7 points.
- UEFA may consider rule changes on goalkeeper movement after the wave of saves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Haaland’s hat‑trick affect Norway’s World Cup chances?
The three goals cement Norway’s perfect start, putting them nine points clear after three matches. With a comfortable margin, Norway can afford a slip‑up in the next round and still likely secure a top‑two finish, which guarantees a World Cup berth.
What implications does the night’s penalty saga have for future qualifiers?
Goalkeepers are now proving they can change a match’s outcome with a single save. Teams may invest more in keeper analysis and penalty‑practice sessions, while UEFA is reviewing potential rule tweaks to ensure a fair contest between taker and keeper.
Who benefits financially from Norway’s winning streak?
Under the Norwegian Football Federation’s 2023‑2026 collective bargaining agreement, each player receives a performance bonus for qualifying. The total pool is about €500,000, meaning each squad member could see a significant payout if the team reaches the World Cup.
Will Ronaldo’s missed penalty affect his legacy?
At 39, Ronaldo’s career is already legendary. A single miss won’t tarnish his record, but it adds fuel to the ongoing debate about age and performance in high‑pressure situations. He still has a chance to redeem himself in the upcoming match against Israel.
What is the likelihood of UEFA changing penalty rules?
UEFA’s Technical Observer panel has indicated that the surge in saves warrants a review. While no formal amendment has been announced, discussions are ongoing about limiting keeper movement before the ball is struck to preserve the shooter’s advantage.
Posts Comments
sheri macbeth October 12, 2025 AT 20:52
Looks like the whole penalty saga is just a smokescreen for the shadow federation pulling the strings behind the scenes-yeah, the same guys who *allegedly* rig the coffee machines at stadiums. Funny how the keepers get all the glory while the real puppet masters watch from the control room, sipping their secret brew. 😏
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