Norway’s task was simple: win, and a place at next year’s finals, their first since 1998, would be theirs barring an unimaginably heavy defeat against Italy in the last qualifier.
Boss Stale Solbakken almost exclusively faced questions about the off-field controversy surrounding Andreas Schjelderup rather than his side’s impending crowning achievement, so he would have been hoping for a strong start from his side, but they were frustrated throughout the first half by their resolute guests.
The teams managed just a shot on target apiece before the break, with Rauno Sappinen’s shot on the break that was saved by Orjan Nyland the better of the two.
Antonio Nusa was the hosts’ biggest threat from the left, but record goalscorer and star man Erling Haaland was reduced to just a single, harmless header that was easily held by Karl Hein between the Estonia sticks.
Nevertheless, any fears that Norway’s quest for qualification would depend on their game against Italy were soon quashed in a six-minute blitz at the start of the second period.
Within five minutes of the restart, Alexander Sorloth got on the end of Sander Berge’s cross to head past Hein to send the home crowd into raptures.
Estonia didn’t learn their lesson, as less than 120 seconds later, Sorloth headed in from a similar position to give the hosts breathing space.
The party really got started when Haaland got on the scoresheet, nodding home for almost a carbon copy of Sorloth’s second.
That was his 13th goal of the qualification process, and he soon had a 14th, volleying into the roof of the net after David Moller Wolfe had flicked a ball towards the back post.
There was some source of joy for Estonia, as they grabbed a consolation through Robi Saarma’s poke past Nyland - his first-ever goal for his country.
Given the controversy currently surrounding Schjelderup, it was a surprise to see him introduced with around 20 minutes left to play, with the game effectively won. His introduction had little impact on the game, though, as Norway played down the clock with the hard work already done.
Upon the full-time whistle, the celebrations began, with Haaland and Co. safe in the knowledge that they will be able to show off their skills on the biggest stage of all next year.
Their spot will be mathematically sealed before their Italy showdown if the Azzurri fail to beat Moldova later on Wednesday, but otherwise, they will have to wait until Sunday’s clash at the San Siro.
Estonia, meanwhile, end their campaign with four points and just one win from their eight matches - they appear further away from reaching a maiden FWC than ever.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alexander Sorloth (Norway)
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