Haaland double sends Norway into World Cup last 32 after 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 a game to spare.

Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, on as a substitute, put Norway ahead late in the first half before Haaland doubled the advantage soon after the restart. Ismaila Sarr reduced the deficit for Senegal, but Haaland struck again after another defensive lapse to restore Norway’s cushion. Sarr’s second goal then ensured a nervy finish, though Norway held on to join France in the knockout stage.

The Manchester City striker has now scored four times in two matches at the tournament, having also netted twice in Norway’s opening 4-1 win over Iraq. His latest brace took his international tally to 59 goals in 52 appearances. Norway, who have now won back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time, have lost only once in their last 18 games.

Norway will next face France in Boston on Friday in a match that will decide top spot in the group. Senegal, meanwhile, must beat Iraq in their final group game to keep alive their hopes of avoiding an early exit, with Iraq still without a point.

Norway take control

Norway made the stronger start and almost went in front when Kristoffer Ajer’s header from a corner forced Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into a fine save with his legs. However, Norway suffered an early setback when full-back Julian Ryerson went off injured.

Martin Odegaard then missed a good opening, firing over from a cut-back on the right. Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson looked their liveliest attacking threat, but Mendy had to intervene again when Haaland cushioned Antonio Nusa’s chipped delivery into Odegaard’s path and the goalkeeper blocked well.

The breakthrough came after a major error by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, whose mistake handed the ball to Pedersen on the edge of the area. The replacement right-back drove a low shot that slipped under Mendy and into the net late in the first half.

Haaland nearly added another before the interval when Mendy got into trouble and the striker rolled an effort against the post from a tight angle.

Haaland punishes Senegal errors

Norway doubled their lead three minutes into the second half with a swift counter-attack. Odegaard carried the ball forward and slipped a pass through for Haaland, who finished firmly past Mendy.

Senegal responded when Sadio Mane flicked the ball cleverly into the area and Sarr, after going to ground, kept his composure to poke home and bring his side back into the contest.

But Koulibaly was at fault again as he failed to clear, allowing Haaland to meet Patrick Berg’s cross with a volley that went in off the crossbar. The goal came as Norwegian supporters created a colourful backdrop in the stands with their now-viral rowing chant.

Mendy was later forced off injured and replaced by Mory Diaw. Norway threatened a fourth goal, but Pathe Ciss produced a headed clearance on the line to deny Oscar Bobb.

Sarr’s second goal of the night gave Senegal hope late on, but Norway saw out the closing stages to advance, while Senegal’s qualification chances remain in the balance.