Minnows Latvia Might Have Just Denied The World From Seeing Haaland Play In A World Cup

OSLO — Norway's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup finals in Qatar suffered a serious blow when they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Latvia in their Group G clash on Saturday.

The single point earned leaves the Norwegians in third spot in the group on 18 points, behind second-placed Turkey on goal difference with Netherlands in the lead on 19 points. The Dutch can win the group by beating Montenegro later on Saturday.

Norway travel to meet the Netherlands in their final game on Tuesday while Turkey, who thrashed Gibraltar 6-0 to move ahead of the Norwegians on goal difference, are away to Montenegro.

The Norwegians dominated throughout in front of a packed Ullevaal Stadion but were thwarted by a combination of some poor finishing and a superb performance by visiting goalkeeper Roberts Ozols.

Without Erling Haaland, Norway could only draw 0-0 with Latvia

Now they're third in #WCQ with a trip to the Netherlands in their last game pic.twitter.com/F7D0eyWfuk

— GOAL (@goal) November 13, 2021

0-0
6-0

Turkey hit six but it's advantage to the Oranje after Latvia hold Norway #WCQ | #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/aJst6u1Mqc

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 13, 2021

(Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Hugh Lawson)