Haaland scores twice for Norway before precautionary half-time substitution

Erling Haaland gets no respite, not even in friendlies. The Borussia Dortmund striker had to be substituted as a precaution at half time in Norway's win over Armenia, with the score already 5-0. It ended 9-0.

The highly-rated forward was on the end of a firm tackle from Kamo Hovhannisyan, for which the Armenian was sent off. The curious thing is that the Armenian also injured himself in the clash.

The Dortmund No.9 only played 45 minutes, but he was given enough time to make his mark with a brace before leaving his place to Alexander Sorloth, who scored twice late on.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 24th minute. He received a great pass from Mohamed Elyounoussi over the defence and beat David Yurchenko with a subtle touch with the outside of his left foot.

The second, Norway's fifth, came in the 45th minute, just before half time. Haaland controlled a great delivery from Kristian Thorstvedt from midfield, broke free from his pair and scored with a cross-shot.

Haaland's tough game

"It was a tough game for Erling," Kent Bergersen, Norway's assistant coach, told TV2. "He had several ankle knocks and we decided to rest him."