With a 5-0 win in Israel, Norway secured first place in Qualifying Group I—and can now relax ahead of their upcoming friendly against New Zealand. This could be a very special occasion for Cologne’s Sebastian Sebulonsen.
As announced by 1. FC Köln, Sebastian Sebulonsen was nominated for the Norwegian national team on Sunday. For the winger, the call-up is also a reward for his performances at Effzeh.
The 25-year-old joined the cathedral city club in the summer from Bröndby IF, where he had become an undisputed regular, and immediately became a regular for the promoted team. Sebulonsen was in the starting lineup for all six Bundesliga games as well as the 2-1 cup win at SSV Jahn Regensburg – overall, His performances did not go unnoticed by national coach Stale Solbakken, who has now rewarded the attacking player. He has never played for Norway’s senior national team, but he has already made 19 international appearances for the Scandinavians’ U21 team, scoring one goal.
No Haaland – and good prospects for Norway
However, Sebulonsen will not be playing alongside Erling Haaland, the star striker from Manchester City, who scored a hat trick against Israel (5-0) and is being rested. That is why he left the national team early.
Norway is currently in excellent form, having won nine games in a row and leading Qualifying Group I with 18 points and a goal difference of +26, well ahead of Italy (12 points, goal difference: +7). On November 13, Norway can secure direct qualification when they first face already-eliminated Estonia at home, before the final showdown in Italy three days later.
The Squadra Azzurra still has the game against Israel coming up next Tuesday and could theoretically draw level with Norway on points, but the four-time world champions would have to make up 19 goals compared to the Northern Europeans – no easy task and a clear advantage for Norway.
