Arnautovic powers Austria to a 5-1 win over Norway

Austria’s Marko Arnautovic scored a brace as they pummelled Norway 5-1 in the National League clash on Sunday, with the hosts keeping the generally prolific Erling Haaland quiet as the skipper’s defence collapsed around him in their Group B3 meeting. 

The outcome leaves Norway, Austria and Slovenia, who defeated Kazakhstan 1-0 away, all tied at seven points after four matches. Kazakhstan is at the bottom of the group standings with a single point. 

Haaland, who became Norway’s all-time top scorer with a double in a 3-0 home win against Slovenia on Thursday that took his goal tally to 34 goals, hit the post after six minutes, but that was as close as he came to register his name on the scoresheet. 

After two minutes Haaland came close, and Austria captain Arnatovic unleashed a pile driver to open the scoring. Alexander Sorloth levelled in the 39th minute but Norway trailed behind again four minutes after the break. 

This time defender Andreas Hanche-Olsen was at fault as he inexplicably dived headlong into the path of Christian Baumgartner to concede a spot-kick which Arnatovic drilled past Orjan Nyland right to restore the lead for Ragnick’s side.         

Norway then faltered from the 58th minute as they conceded three headers in 13 minutes to Philip Lienhart, Stefan Posch and Micheal Gregorisch, who scored four minutes after coming onto the pitch, much to the frustration of visiting coach Stale Solbakken.