Steffen Iversen got the ball rolling in the first half before substitute Daniel Braaten and John Carew (two) made certain of the victory to move the Scandinavians level on points with second-placed Turkey.

The hosts looked lively in the opening exchanges and Hungary goalkeeper Zoltan Vegh made his first save after seven minutes when Erik Hagen threatened with a header.

Carew should then have broken the deadlock soon after, but could only poke his shot past the right post despite holding off two defenders.

Hungary finally carved out an opening through Zoltan Gera, but although Hakon Opdal could only parry the striker's 17-yard drive, the ball fell to safety much to the relief of the Norway goalkeeper.

And the hosts responded with the opening goal in the 22nd minute, Iversen heading home from six yards after the Hungarian backline failed to clear a Martin Andresen corner.

Gera tried to restore parity, but his shot from distance went over the crossbar ensuring the hosts held the advantage at the interval.

Norway coach Aage Hareide made two changes at half-time, including goalscorer Iversen who made way for Braaten, and with the team still settling into their rhythm, Hungary midfielder Daniel Tozser gave them food for thought with a 16-yard strike which went narrowly wide.

Opdal then pulled off a stunning save to keep his side in front, turning away a fierce drive from Tamas Hajnal.

But Norway's reply was ruthless with two goals in just three minutes.

Braaten made it 2-0 after 57 minutes, with a drilled 20-yard shot after Vegh had committed himself to fending off Carew.

And the striker followed up with a goal of his own soon after, beating the Hungary keeper in a one-on-one after Andresen's precision pass.

Norway were firmly in control now so it was no surprise when a fourth goal followed in the 78th minute.

Carew was again the scorer, picking up a pass from John Arne Riise before sweeping the ball home from five yards to round off a perfect evening for the hosts.