Erling Haaland continued his blistering World Cup form with his second consecutive brace, guiding Norway to a 3–2 win over Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium and sealing a spot in the round of 32 with one group game remaining.
In Monday’s Group I clash, Norway capitalised on defensive errors from Senegal. Substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen opened the scoring after captain Kalidou Koulibaly’s misplaced pass, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy letting the Swede’s powerful shot slip through him.
Haaland doubled the lead three minutes into the second half, racing onto Martin Odegaard’s quick counter-attacking pass. Ismaila Sarr pulled one back with a clinical finish from Sadio Mane’s assist, but Haaland responded with a volley that crashed off the crossbar and in following Patrick Berg’s delivery.
Despite Sarr’s second goal deep into stoppage time, Norway held firm to secure back-to-back World Cup wins for the first time in their history. Haaland’s brace took his international tally to 59 goals in 52 appearances, underlining his pivotal role for the Scandinavian side.
Norway face France on Friday in Boston to decide top spot in the group, while Senegal must beat Iraq in their final match to keep their tournament hopes alive. Sarr’s double made him the first Senegalese player to score at two different World Cups.
