OSLO: Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland both scored twice as Norway beat Estonia 4-1 which put them on the brink of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Norway have all but secured a place at next year’s tournament in North America from Group J as they hold a three-point lead over second-placed Italy, who beat Moldova.

Italy, who beat Moldova 2-0, need not only to beat Norway on Sunday but overturn a 17-goal deficit to leapfrog the Norwegians and snatch the automatic qualifying spot.

Italy won with late goals from Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito. Victory lifted Italy to 18 points, three behind group leaders Norway.

###