Haaland Brace Sends Norway Into Last 32 With 3-2 Win

Erling Haaland continued his impressive scoring form at the FIFA World Cup, netting a brace as Norway secured a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday to book their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.

Marcus Holmgren Pedersen gave Norway the lead late in the first half in New Jersey before Haaland doubled the advantage shortly after the restart.

Senegal responded through Ismaila Sarr, who reduced the deficit after the break, but Haaland restored Norway’s two-goal cushion by capitalising on another defensive lapse. Sarr struck again late on to set up a tense finish, but Norway held firm to claim all three points.

The Manchester City striker has now scored four goals in two World Cup matches, following his brace in Norway’s opening 4-1 win over Iraq. His latest double keeps him in the tournament’s scoring race alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France star Kylian Mbappe, who also scored twice for their respective nations on Monday.

The victory extended Norway’s strong run of form, with the Scandinavian side suffering only one defeat in their last 18 matches. It also marked the first time Norway have recorded back-to-back wins at a World Cup tournament.

Haaland further enhanced his remarkable international record, taking his tally to 59 goals in 52 appearances for Norway.

Norway dominated large portions of the contest and created several opportunities before breaking the deadlock. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made a series of impressive saves, denying Kristoffer Ajer and Martin Odegaard, but was unable to prevent Pedersen from scoring after a costly error by captain Kalidou Koulibaly.

Haaland doubled Norway’s lead three minutes into the second half, finishing clinically after a swift counter-attack orchestrated by Odegaard.

Senegal briefly revived their hopes when Sarr converted after good work from Sadio Mane, but Koulibaly’s struggles continued as Haaland volleyed home Norway’s third goal from a Patrick Berg cross.

Mendy was later forced off through injury and replaced by Mory Diaw, while Pathe Ciss produced a crucial goal-line clearance to prevent Oscar Bobb from adding a fourth for Norway.

Sarr’s second goal of the match ensured a nervy conclusion, but Norway held on to join France in the knockout phase.

Norway will face France in Boston on Friday in a decisive clash for top spot in Group I, while Senegal must defeat Iraq in their final group match to keep alive their hopes of reaching the next round.