Haaland double sends Norway into World Cup last 32
Norway beat Senegal 3-2 in Group I as Erling Haaland scored twice, securing a knockout place with one match still to play.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 on Monday to reach the World Cup knockout stage with a group match to spare, AFP reported. The result at New York New Jersey Stadium put Norway into the last 32 and left Senegal needing help to avoid an early exit.
Marcus Holmgren Pedersen gave Norway the lead late in the first half after coming on as a substitute, according to AFP. Haaland then struck shortly after halftime, added a second goal later in the half, and Norway held on after Ismaila Sarr scored twice for Senegal.
Norway take control before tense finish
AFP reported that Norway started sharply, with Kristoffer Ajer forcing Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into a save from a corner. Norway then lost full-back Julian Ryerson to injury early, while Martin Odegaard missed a chance from a cut-back and Nicolas Jackson offered Senegal’s main threat.
Mendy denied Odegaard after Haaland brought down Antonio Nusa’s chipped pass, but Senegal’s resistance broke before halftime. AFP said Kalidou Koulibaly gave the ball away near the edge of the area, allowing Pedersen to hit a low shot that slipped beneath Mendy.
Haaland nearly scored from a narrow angle before the interval after Mendy became caught out, but the Manchester City forward did not have to wait long after the restart. Odegaard carried the ball forward on a Norway counterattack and played in Haaland, who finished past Mendy three minutes into the second half.
Senegal responded through Sarr after Sadio Mane flicked the ball into the area, with Sarr poking in after falling to the ground, AFP reported. Norway restored the two-goal margin when Koulibaly failed to clear Patrick Berg’s cross and Haaland volleyed in off the crossbar.
Mory Diaw replaced the injured Mendy in Senegal’s goal. Pathe Ciss then cleared off the line to stop Oscar Bobb from adding a fourth for Norway, before Sarr scored again to set up a tight final stretch.
Group I race shifts to final matches
AFP reported that Haaland now has four goals in two matches at the tournament after also scoring twice in Norway’s opening 4-1 win over Iraq. His international total rose to 59 goals in 52 appearances.
Norway have won back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time, according to AFP, and have lost only once in their last 18 games. They will face France in Boston on Friday in a match that will decide top spot in Group I.
France have also qualified for the next round after beating Iraq 3-0, AFP reported. Senegal, still without a point along with Iraq, must beat Iraq in their final group match to have a chance of staying in the tournament.
Sarr’s goals gave Senegal late hope and made him the first Senegalese player to score at two different World Cups, according to AFP. Norway’s fans celebrated with their rowing chant as their team joined France in the knockout rounds.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.