Officials from both teams discussed Gaza and the controversy of Saturday's game, while there were protests and a small number of arrests

A notorious pitch invader from Italy, Mario Ferri, struck again during the World Cup qualifier between Norway and Israel on Saturday evening, entering the field of play with a message of support for

Norway's World Cup qualifier against Israel on October 11 could be a monumental moment for Stale Solbakken's side, but the game has been overshadowed by political undertones which have dominated the conversation.

Norway, all the while, has pointed back towards the Palestinian FA’s proposal tabled at last year’s FIFA Congress calling for sanctions against Israel. The matter was referred to the FIFA Council, but over a year later, there has still been no decision made by football’s global governing body.

Israel has proven to be a tough matchup for even the biggest European countries of late, drawing France and tying Belgium last fall. But an in-form Norway side led by Haaland should be too much at home. Norway looks to continue its march toward the World Cup when it hosts Israel on Saturday.