Haaland double sends Norway into last 32 with 3-2 win over Senegal

NEW JERSEY: Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 on Monday to secure a place in the World Cup last 32 with one group game still to play.

Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, on as a substitute, put Norway ahead late in the first half after Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly lost possession on the edge of the box. Pedersen's low effort slipped under goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to give Norway the lead.

Norway had already threatened before the breakthrough, with Kristoffer Ajer forcing Mendy into a save from a corner and Martin Odegaard missing from a promising position. Mendy then denied Odegaard again after Haaland brought down Antonio Nusa's chipped delivery into the area. Norway also suffered an early setback when full-back Julian Ryerson went off injured.

Haaland nearly added a second before the interval when his effort from a tight angle hit the post after Mendy got into trouble, but the striker struck three minutes after the restart. Odegaard drove forward on the counter and played Haaland through, and the Manchester City forward finished firmly past Mendy.

Senegal pulled one back when Sadio Mane flicked the ball into the area and Ismaila Sarr kept his composure after going to ground to score. But Norway restored their two-goal cushion after another defensive lapse, with Koulibaly again unable to deal with the danger as Haaland volleyed Patrick Berg's cross in off the crossbar.

Mendy later went off injured and was replaced by Mory Diaw. Norway came close to a fourth goal, but Pathe Ciss cleared Oscar Bobb's header off the line. Sarr's second goal gave Senegal hope late on, yet Norway held on for back-to-back wins and progression to the knockout stage.

Group situation

Haaland has now scored four goals in two matches at the tournament after also netting twice in Norway's opening 4-1 win over Iraq. His international tally has risen to 59 goals in 52 appearances.

The result means Norway have qualified alongside France, who beat Iraq 3-0, and will meet the French side in Boston on Friday to decide top spot in the group. Senegal, meanwhile, must defeat Iraq in their final match to retain any chance of avoiding an early exit.

According to the match report, Norway have now won consecutive World Cup games for the first time and have lost only once in their last 18 matches.