Haaland’s two goals send Norway into the World Cup last 32; Senegal faces exit

Erling Haaland scored his second consecutive World Cup brace as Norway defeated Senegal 3‑2 on Monday, securing their place in the last‑32.

Norway substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen opened the scoring late in the first half in New Jersey, before Haaland doubled the lead shortly after the break.

Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr narrowed the deficit, but Haaland punished loose defending to send Norway through to the knockout rounds with a game to spare, despite a late consolation goal from Sarr.

Haaland, a Manchester City forward, now has four goals in two tournament matches, just behind Lionel Messi’s double earlier in the day that brought Messi’s tally to a record 18 World Cup goals. Kylian Mbappé also scored a brace as France beat Iraq 3‑0.

Norway have lost only once in their last 18 matches and will face France in a decisive group‑stage match for the top spot in Boston on Friday.

Senegal must beat Iraq, who are also without a point, in their final game to keep their hopes of avoiding an early exit alive.

Led by the prolific Haaland, who has increased his international goal tally to 59 in 52 games, Norway achieved back‑to‑back wins at the World Cup for the first time.

The team’s dominant display against a Senegal side that paid heavily for its errors reinforced the belief that they can cause serious damage in the finals.

Norway set the tone early when Kristoffer Ajer’s header forced Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into a spectacular leg save from a corner, but they lost full‑back Julian Ryerson to injury early on.

Captain Martin Odegaard slid an inviting cut‑back from the right for Norway, as Nicolas Jackson looked Senegal’s most dangerous threat.

Mendy again came to Senegal’s rescue with a superb block to deny Odegaard after Haaland cushioned down Antonio Nusa’s chipped cross into the box.

However, Mendy allowed Pedersen’s low drive to slip under him after a dreadful mistake from skipper Kalidou Koulibaly gave the ball to the replacement right‑back on the edge of the box.

Haaland rolled against the post from a tight angle after Mendy got in a tangle, but he made amends three minutes into the second half as Norway sliced Senegal apart on the counter‑attack.

Odegaard surged upfield and slid a pass through to Haaland, who buried an emphatic finish past Mendy to add to the two goals he scored in Norway’s opening 4‑1 victory over Iraq.

Senegal clawed their way back as Sarr showed great composure to poke home after tumbling to the ground following a clever flick into the area by Sadio Mane.

However, Koulibaly was at fault once more, failing to clear as Haaland steered a volley in off the crossbar from Patrick Berg’s cross, delighting Norwegian fans who provided a colourful backdrop with their viral rowing chant.

Mory Diaw came on for the injured Mendy in goal, but only a headed goalline clearance from Pathe Ciss prevented Oscar Bobb from netting Norway’s fourth.

Sarr’s second of the night set up a tense finish, but Norway held on to join France in the next round and leave Senegal’s hopes hanging by a thread.