Erling Haaland scored a second-half brace, helping Norway secure a 3‑2 victory over Senegal at MetLife Stadium and join France in reaching the World Cup last 32.
The Manchester City striker netted his 58th and 59th goals for Norway in just his 52nd appearance, continuing a run that includes goals in 12 of his last 13 competitive matches.
Despite early rain that prompted a brief stadium evacuation, the match proceeded under clear skies. Haaland, 25, expressed disappointment at missing a hat‑trick, noting the match could have been cancelled entirely due to a flood watch.
Norway’s Marcus Holmgren Pedersen celebrates scoring his side’s opening goal against Senegal
Senegal will need a strong finish against Iraq to keep alive their knockout hopes.
Key moments from the match
43′ GOAL! Marcus Pedersen slotted home after mistakes by Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.
45′ POST! Haaland missed the target following another Mendy lapse.
48′ GOAL! Haaland’s clinical finish capped a swift counter and made him Norway’s all‑time leading World Cup scorer.
53′ GOAL! Ismaila Sarr reduced the deficit with a composed finish after a neat flick from Sadio Mané.
58′ GOAL! Haaland’s close‑range strike restored Norway’s two‑goal cushion.
90+3′ GOAL! Sarr’s calm finish sparked a tense finish in East Rutherford.
Playing in the shade of Messi and Mbappé
From the opening whistle, Haaland appeared driven by the performances of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, both of whom had scored doubles in earlier Group matches. The Norwegian responded with an eye‑catching brace in the rain‑soaked stadium, not only securing the win but also etching his name among the tournament’s elite scorers.
Haaland was visibly frustrated at half‑time after missing a clear chance that hit the post, again a result of a poor pass by Mendy. However, he quickly regained composure, delivering a clinical finish for his first goal and adding a second just before the hour mark. The strikes marked his 18th goal in the last 21 competitive fixtures for Norway.
Beyond his tally, Haaland became only the sixth player to net multiple goals in each of his first two World Cup appearances, signalling his arrival on the world stage.
‘Haaland’s on fire – he’s the best striker’
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken:
“He missed an open goal today and could have scored four, but make no mistake – he is the best striker. He chose to play for Norway, and those two braces on the biggest stage speak for themselves.
It’s easier to chase the Golden Boot for France or Argentina, but we will continue to give Erling the chances he needs and support his ambitions. He’s on fire, and I’m delighted for him to shine on this stage.”
Erling Haaland:
“I’m just happy that we’re through. Whoever beats us in the next game will likely go all the way and lift the trophy – that’s their story, not mine.”
Also Read
- Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon Prospects: A Home Crowd Advantage or a New Era
- Arguable Success Secures Algeria’s Place to Host Jordan in World Cup Knockout Rounds
- Nitish Kumar Reddy Withdraws from Ireland and England Tours Due to Quadriceps Injury
- Joe Doering Entering Hospice Care Amid Brain Cancer Battle
