Norway routs Wales in Oslo: Haaland scores penalty in match officiated by Ukrainian crew

In the fifth round of the 2026/27 Nations League, the Norway national team secured a home victory over Wales with a score of 3-1. The encounter took place on November 14 at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo and was crucial for both teams, who had three points each before the match and were fighting to improve their standing in Group A4. The match also drew attention for another reason: it was officiated by a Ukrainian refereeing team led by head referee Oleksiy Derevinskyi, while the winning goal from the penalty spot was scored by host star striker Erling Haaland.

Match proceedings: Norwegians capitalize after the break

The first half ended without goals — both teams played cautiously and failed to beat the goalkeepers. Only after the break did the hosts manage to convert their advantage into a result. In the 59th minute, Antonio Nusa opened the scoring, and nine minutes later, in the 68th, Andreas Schjelderup doubled the Norwegians' lead. By that moment, the match seemed virtually decided in favor of the Oslo-based team.

The decisive penalty and Haaland's goal

Wales attempted to revive the suspense: in the 79th minute, David Brooks narrowed the deficit for the visitors, making it 2-1. However, in the 88th minute, Ukrainian referee Oleksiy Derevinskyi awarded a penalty to Wales following a foul by Connor Roberts on Andreas Schjelderup. Erling Haaland confidently converted the spot-kick, setting the final result at 3-1. Thus, the goals in the match were scored by Nusa (59), Schjelderup (68), and Haaland (88, penalty) for Norway, and Brooks (79) for Wales.

Ukrainian refereeing team in Oslo

The officiating crew for the match consisted entirely of Ukrainian representatives, with the exception of the lead VAR official. The head referee was Oleksiy Derevinskyi, assisted on the lines by compatriots Oleksiy Mironov and Svitlana Hrushko, while Dmytro Panchyshyn served as the fourth official, and Denys Shurman worked as the Video Assistant Referee (AVAR). The main official responsible for the VAR system was Belgian Jan Boterberg. In total, five Ukrainian specialists were part of the match officiating crew.

Group standings and final round schedule

Thanks to the victory, Norway reached six points, leveling with Denmark, who still have to play their fifth-round match against Portugal. Wales, meanwhile, remained with three points and missed the chance to climb out of last place in Group A4. In the final, sixth round, taking place on November 17, the Norwegians will play away against Denmark, while the Welsh will host Portugal.