With Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa pulling the strings and Erling Haaland racking up a goal and an assist, Stale Solbakken's side have their destiny firmly in their hands. Having dismantled Wales, a win on Tuesday against Denmark — who battle them for second spot and face Portugal on Saturday — will secure the Scandinavian outfit a place among the final eight as runners-up in their group.

In contrast, Wales face an uphill struggle having won just one of their last nine matches. With their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds extinguished, they are staring at bottom spot and potential relegation from League A.

Yet Norway, enjoying their debut campaign in the Nations League's top tier, were made to sweat as a spirited Welsh response kept the contest alive until Haaland stepped up from the penalty spot to seal victory five minutes from time.

It was the electric Nusa, however, who claimed man of the match honours. The Leipzig forward broke the deadlock on the hour mark, pouncing after Julian Ryerson's corner was flicked on by Joe Rondon to rifle an effort from the edge of the box beyond Karl Darlow.

The hosts doubled their lead eight minutes later on a sweeping counter initiated by Nusa down the left flank. He picked out Haaland, who crossed for an unmarked Andreas Schjelderup to tap home. Wales refused to lie down and exploited frailties in the home defence to halve the deficit when David Brooks exchanged a sharp one-two with Harry Wilson before slotting past the keeper.

With the tie in the balance, a reckless challenge in the box by Connor Roberts on Schjelderup handed Norway a lifeline penalty. Haaland made no mistake, notching his fourth goal of the current Nations League campaign. The Manchester City talisman, who boasts an astonishing record of 66 goals in 60 caps, put the result beyond doubt to push Norway to the brink of qualification.