Norway beats Senegal 3-2 as Haaland double seals World Cup last-16 spot

Haaland's double powers Norway into last 16

Norway secured their place in the World Cup round of 16 with a 3-2 victory over Senegal at a packed MetLife Stadium. Erling Haaland scored twice, taking his tournament tally to four goals, as the Scandinavians made it two wins from two in Group I. The result sets up a group decider against France, who also have six points after beating Iraq 3-0 earlier in the day.

Match action

Marcus Pedersen, on as an early substitute for the injured Ryerson, broke the deadlock just before half-time, capitalising on a poor clearance by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly. Haaland doubled the lead three minutes after the restart, finishing a through ball from Martin Ødegaard. Ismaïla Sarr briefly revived Senegalese hopes with a close-range finish, but Haaland restored the two-goal cushion five minutes later, converting Patrick Berg's cross. Sarr scored again deep into stoppage time, but Senegal could not find an equaliser.

“The last ten minutes were the longest of my life, we lost control and that was the only moment of the match.”

“Scoring goals is my specialty and I'm good at it.”

Group I standings and what's next

Norway and France both have six points, but France lead on goal difference (+5 to +4) after their 3-0 win over Iraq, a match interrupted for over two hours by a thunderstorm in Philadelphia. Norway must beat France in Boston on Friday to top the group. Senegal, with zero points, face Iraq in Toronto and can still advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

Elsewhere at the World Cup

In the other overnight match, Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1, scoring twice in the final 20 minutes to keep their qualification hopes alive.