Norway have no hope of qualifying directly and can only rely on the results of other groups in anticipation of securing a place in the UEFA Nations League play-offs. Such opportunities are very slim. Norway are seventh in the UEFA Nations League B division, which almost dooms them to a difficult time qualifying for the play-offs. Even if they get a chance at the play-offs, Norway's current strength will hardly stand out in a life-and-death battle. It can be said that their hopes of qualifying for next year's European Championship have been almost dashed.
Looking back, the last time Norway competed internationally was at Euro 2000, 23 years ago. Even with players like Haaland and Odegaard today, Norway still can't change their destinies and miss out on the tournament every time. Such a cruel reality is extremely regrettable.
Haaland had a brilliant finish last season, with his team winning the treble and his personal three Golden Boots. There is no doubt that he will be a finalist in the top three of the Ballon d'Or, which will be a new high point in his career and hopefully even surpass Mbappe. Because Mbappe has only finished fourth in the past Ballon d'Or awards, and this time Haaland is expected to achieve even better.
Haaland's name is not on the same level as Mbappe's. Especially in the national team competition, the gap between them is huge. Mbappe became an absolute workhorse of the French team at the age of 19, helping the team win the World Cup and become famous. At the age of 23, he scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final, and although it ultimately failed to stop Messi's ascent to the top, Mbappe established himself as the first man in the next era through this match. Haaland, by contrast, can't change the situation even at the European Championships, and his comparison with Kylian Mbappe makes it difficult for him to compare.
If Manchester City lose their strength, or if Kylian Mbappe joins a team that has the strength to compete for the Champions League, Haaland will also lose the advantage on the club circuit. At that point, it will be difficult for him to catch up with Mbappe, and there is no possibility of catching up.
Whether it's the national team or the club arena, Haaland faces a daunting challenge. He needs more time and effort to be on par with a superstar like Mbappe. We cannot deny Haaland's potential and strength, he is still young and the road ahead is full of possibilities. Perhaps, only time will reveal the real answer.