Haaland double sends Norway into World Cup last 16 with 3-2 win over Senegal
Erling Haaland's second consecutive double propelled Norway past Senegal 3-2 in East Rutherford, sealing a spot in the round of 16 and setting up a group-stage decider against France.
Match overview
Norway dominated large stretches but were made to sweat by a spirited Senegalese fightback in front of 80,663 fans at MetLife Stadium. The win, their second of the tournament, confirms their place in the round of 16 with one group match remaining.
Early breakthrough and injury setback
Marcus Pedersen, who replaced the injured Julian Ryerson in the 13th minute, capitalised on a defensive error to give Norway the lead shortly before half-time. Ryerson, the Borussia Dortmund full-back, exited with a thigh problem and watched the rest of the match with an ice pack.
Haaland strikes twice again
After a quiet first half in which he hit the post, Erling Haaland burst into life after the break. He latched onto a Martin Ødegaard through ball to double the lead three minutes into the second half, then added an acrobatic third from a Patrick Berg cross five minutes after Senegal had pulled one back. It was his second brace in as many World Cup appearances, taking his international tally to 59 goals in 52 caps.
- Marcus Pedersen scores 1-0 (43')
- Erling Haaland makes it 2-0 (48')
- Ismaïla Sarr pulls one back (53')
- Haaland restores two-goal lead (58')
- Sarr's second sets up tense finish (90+3')
Senegal refuse to fold
Ismaïla Sarr kept Senegal in the contest with a clever falling finish, set up by Sadio Mané, and a stoppage-time header that beat the goalkeeper but not the Norwegian defence. Senegal also lost goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to injury, but created enough chances to level, including a late Sarr overhead kick that went wide and a free header from a corner in the 99th minute that was nodded over the bar.
Group I decider awaits
Norway will face France on Friday for top spot in Group I, while Senegal must beat Iraq heavily and hope for results elsewhere to have any chance of advancing as a third-placed team. The Norwegian fans celebrated with their "Viking Row" rhythm, a ritual that has followed the team throughout the tournament.
