Sunday’s briefing: Erling Haaland nets hat-trick and Portugal break Irish hearts

Erling Haaland continued his devastating form in front of goal with a hat-trick for Norway, while Portugal left it late to beat the Republic of Ireland.

Elsehwere, Steven Gerrard ruled himself out of contention for the Rangers job, and Scotland will look to boost their hopes of reaching the World Cup with a win over Belarus on Sunday.

Haaland continued his superb start to the season after he notched a hat-trick in Norway’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Israel in Oslo.

The Norway international saw a sixth-minute spot-kick saved by Daniel Peretz, who denied him again after the kick had to be retaken, but it did not matter in the end as he grabbed his 18th goal in his last nine games for club and country.

The Manchester City striker scored Norway’s second between a pair of own goals from Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias.

Haaland, winning his 46th cap, scored his 50th goal for his country when he nodded in Antonio Nusa’s cross and the pair combined again as the in-form forward grabbed his third of the night.

Ruben Neves scored an injury-time World Cup qualifying winner against the Republic of Ireland after Cristiano Ronaldo saw a penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.

Portugal were given the chance to take the lead from the spot with 15 minutes to play when Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak awarded a spot-kick after Francisco Trincao’s shot hit Dara O’Shea’s arm, but Ronaldo stepped up and aimed down the middle which was stopped by the legs of Kelleher.

However, Neves proved to be the hero in the first minute of second-half stoppage-time when he nodded Francisco Trincao’s cross past Kelleher to win it.

Gerrard had been linked with a move back to Rangers following the sacking of Russell Martin but ruled himself out of