Norway, along with European champions Spain, are one of the best two teams on the continent. 

That is the view of Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon, whose team were torn apart by Erling Haaland and company in a 5-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Oslo on Saturday.

Norway have not played at a major tournament since Euro 2000, but they are realistically just three points from confirming qualification for next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

They are six points clear of Italy in Group I, with the Azzurri having three games remaining to Norway's two. However, Stale Solbakken's team have a goal difference of +26, 19 better than that of their closest rivals, so one win would virtually guarantee top spot.

Haaland scored a hat-trick on Saturday to move to 12 goals in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a tally that has only previously been bettered by Robert Lewandowski (16, 2018) and Cristiano Ronaldo (15, 2018) in a single cycle.

As a team, Norway have struck 29 goals in just six matches, causing Ben-Shimon to suggest they are an elite side.

"I believe that Norway are one of the top two teams in Europe, together with Spain," Ben-Shimon said. "I expected a lot, but they still surprised me.

Solbakken is not convinced by that statement, but the Norway boss was happy to accept such lofty praise, saying: "It's a bit of a stretch, but we'll accept it!"

Norway face New Zealand in a friendly on Tuesday before completing their qualification campaign next month, and Solbakken wants his players to toast their latest triumph. 

"I'm excited too. We have been locked in since Sunday. It's important that we get to let the air out a bit," the former Koln, Wolves and Copenhagen boss said.

"You can always have one beer too much, but it's good for us mentally. 

"We're going to eat some food, and then I've actually said in the dressing room that there's one man who isn't going out tonight, and that's me! 

"The others will be able to go out and enjoy themselves: Both players and support staff."