Norway stars reveal how Erling Haaland inspired team to big World Cup qualifier win

Norway beat Estonia 4-1 on Thursday night to edge closer to World Cup qualification

Erling Haaland starred in Norway’s 4-1 win over Estonia on Thursday (AP)

Captain Erling Haaland's composed half-time talk sparked Norway's dramatic 4-1 victory over Estonia on Thursday, propelling the squad to the brink of their first World Cup qualification since 1998.

Leading the team in the absence of injured Martin Odegaard, Haaland rallied his teammates after a goalless first half in Oslo, where frustrated home fans booed and jeered as players headed down the tunnel.

Norway hit four goals in 12 minutes as Alexander Sorloth scored twice in quick succession just five minutes after play resumed before Haaland added a brace of his own. Robi Saarma netted a consolation for Estonia in the 64th minute.

Midfielder Morten Thorsby said Haaland's message was calm: "Erling was just nice and calm, he gave us the confidence that 'We'll fix this, boys. We are going to get that goal, we just have to keep going.' That's the kind of confidence we need in these games," Thorsby told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

Defender Torbjorn Lysaker Heggem said Haaland also delivered a tactical message.

Erling Haaland scored twice in the second half as Norway beat Estonia 4-1 on Thursday (NTB)

"He said we had to feed him more crosses ... just hit even more into the box. Especially when they are sitting so deep and we have to play a lot around them." Heggem told NRK. "It worked, you could see that after five minutes."

Thorsby added that both Haaland and Odegaard had "taken very big steps as leaders" and were increasingly embracing more responsibility.

"They have also gained a better understanding of the influence they have on the rest of us," he said. "What they say, what they do, and how they act -- it spreads."

Norway have now all but secured their place at next year's tournament in North America, holding a three-point lead over second-placed Italy in Group I.

They host the Italians in Oslo on Sunday, who are likely headed for the play-offs in March, needing to beat Norway and overturn an improbable 17-goal deficit to snatch the automatic qualifying spot.