Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 in New Jersey to secure a spot in the World Cup last 32 for the first time since France 1998. The victory, played in heavy rain at the New York New Jersey Stadium, saw Norway join France at the top of Group I with six points each, while Senegal and Iraq remain pointless.
Norway's players collapsed onto the rain-drenched grass at the final whistle, celebrating passionately with fans. Martin Ødegaard beat a drum as players and staff performed their trademark Viking rowing boat and Icelandic-style hu-cheer, a routine they have used throughout the tournament.
Haaland's Phenomenal Form Continues
Haaland's two goals took his World Cup tally to four, his international record to 59 goals in 52 caps, and 16 in his last eight appearances for Norway. "It is just a ridiculous set of numbers, so skewed it looks like a misprint," noted the match report. Norway started slowly but overran a disappointing Senegal with three goals in 15 minutes either side of the break.
Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly endured a nightmare performance, contributing to all three Norway goals with a series of errors. The opening goal came from two Senegalese mistakes: Koulibaly gave the ball away under no pressure to Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, who scored with a shot that goalkeeper Édouard Mendy should have saved.
Key Moments in the Match
Norway pressed from the start, winning corners and deploying taller players at the back post. Kristoffer Ajer missed a header from three yards out. Julian Ryerson limped off with a muscular injury on 12 minutes, replaced by Pedersen, who immediately set up Ødegaard for a shot over the bar. Antonio Nusa curled a diagonal cross to Haaland, who nodded back to Ødegaard, whose volley was saved by Mendy's legs.
Haaland should have added another in stoppage time after Mendy was caught in possession, but his shot clanked off the far post. The second goal came three minutes into the second half: Ødegaard carried the ball forward and nudged a perfectly weighted pass into the channel for Haaland, who finished left-footed into the far top corner. Senegal pulled one back on 52 minutes via Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr, but Haaland restored the two-goal lead on 57 minutes after another Koulibaly error, volleying right-footed under the bar. Senegal scored a late consolation through Sarr.
Senegal's Struggles and Norway's Prospects
Senegal's muddled performance contrasted with pre-tournament confidence. Coach Pape Thiaw had said he would rather resign than give up on his belief Senegal could win the World Cup, and he called Norway the best European team. Despite two defeats and six goals conceded, Senegal can still advance with a final win against Iraq, a scenario that could see them face England.
Norway showed solidity, invention, and speed in attack, with excellent support and no burden of expectation. "Above all they have the annihilating goal-hunger of Haaland," the report concluded, positioning Norway as strong contenders in an unusually open World Cup.
