Erling Haaland tonight became Norway’s all-time top scorer with 34 goals in 36 appearances

Erling Haaland marked his first game as Norway captain by scoring twice to become his country’s all-time leading scorer in a 3-0 win over Slovenia on Thursday.

The Manchester City forward scored in the seventh minute to register his 33rd international goal – level with the late Jorgen Juve on Norway’s all-time scoring list. Haaland added a second after the break from Alexander Sorloth’s assist to take the record. Sorloth scored Norway’s other goal. “Of course, it’s a big and historic achievement. I’m very happy and it’s a great record to achieve… I have many years left. I’m enjoying myself,” Haaland told reporters.

Jorgen Juve, who has 45 caps for Norway, has held the record since 1937. But Haaland, 24, is destined to break it. He has 32 goals in his first 35 international appearances, before officially the record on Thursday. It seems that the desire to reach the milestone, especially after a strong start to the season – he has scored 11 goals for Man.City in all competitions this season – has made Haaland an impressive performer. He was all over the pitch, leading the defensive clearances and directing Norway’s attacks.