Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage with a 3-2 victory over Senegal in New Jersey.
The Manchester City striker continued his remarkable form, taking his tournament tally to four goals in just two matches — the most by any Norwegian player in World Cup history.
Norway broke the deadlock late in the first half when substitute Marcus Pedersen capitalised on a poor clearance from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and found the net.
Haaland doubled the lead shortly after the restart, racing onto a precise through ball from Martin Odegaard before finishing clinically. The goal also saw him become Norway’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup.
Senegal fought back through Ismaila Sarr, who reduced the deficit and gave his side hope. However, Haaland quickly restored Norway’s two-goal cushion with a composed volley that bounced in off the crossbar.
The Norwegian striker has now scored in 12 consecutive competitive matches for his country and has registered at least two goals in each of his last six appearances.
Sarr struck again in stoppage time to make for a tense ending, but Senegal could not find an equaliser as Norway held firm to secure a second straight win.
The result confirms Norway’s progression from Group I alongside France, while Senegal must defeat Iraq in their final group game to keep their qualification hopes alive.
With four goals already in his first World Cup campaign, Haaland has emerged as one of the leading contenders in the race for the Golden Boot.
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