Moldova Goalkeeper Reveals Details of His Conversation with Erling Haaland After Conceding 11 Goals

Cristian Avram, the 31-year-old goalkeeper for the Republic of Moldova's national team, recounted his conversation with Norway's top scorer, Erling Haaland, after their public thrashing in Oslo (1-11).

Avram had already picked the ball out of his net twice within just 11 minutes, and by halftime, he had conceded five goals. Erling Haaland bagged a hat-trick and provided the assist for Myhre's opening goal.

Six more goals followed in the second half, including two additional strikes from the Manchester City forward, plus a four-goal haul from substitute Asgaard of Glasgow Rangers in just 25 minutes.

"Haaland felt somewhat bad for us, but he played to score as much as possible because his team wants to win the group," said the Araz-Nakhchivan goalkeeper.

At the end of the nightmare match, Cristian Avram found the strength to speak with his tormentor at Ulevaal Stadion. "Hello, I'm Moldova's goalkeeper, and I conceded 11 goals," he began his testimony during an interview with Norwegian broadcaster TV2.

"I spoke with Erling. He told me, 'It's not my fault,' and that he had to keep trying to score because they needed the biggest possible goal difference. I understand him; it's part of the game. He wanted to keep fighting."

Erling Haaland's five goals represent his personal best for the national team and the highest number of goals scored by a European player in a World Cup qualifying match since Hans Krankl's six goals for Austria in 1977.

Avram had the chance to avoid another thrashing suffered by Moldova against Norway in March (0-5) in the 2026 World Cup qualifying group. On that occasion, Celeadnic was in goal, beaten only once each by Haaland and Asgaard.