KUCHING: Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 today at the New York New Jersey Stadium to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 1998.
The Manchester City striker continued his blistering form after his brace against Iraq, helping Norway make it two wins from two in Group I and seal progression with a game to spare.
Norway had threatened throughout the first half and finally broke through in the 43rd minute after a costly error by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly.
The defender’s misplaced pass fell straight to substitute Marcus Pedersen, who drove into the penalty area before firing a low shot beyond Edouard Mendy for his first international goal.
Haaland doubled the lead three minutes after the restart, capitalising on another defensive lapse to put Norway firmly in control.
Senegal responded through Ismaila Sarr to reduce the deficit, but Haaland struck again just after the hour mark with a composed finish to restore Norway’s two-goal advantage and take his tournament tally to four goals.
Sarr grabbed his second in stoppage time to set up a tense finale, but Norway held on to claim all three points.
Having ended a 28-year wait for a return to the World Cup knockout stage since 1998, Norway now have a new target — finishing top of Group I ahead of a showdown with France on June 27 (MYT).
