When Norway needed their talisman most, Erling Haaland delivered — twice. The Manchester City striker scored two goals as Norway edged Senegal 3-2 in a breathless group-stage encounter at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Monday, booking their spot in the World Cup last 32. It was not clean, it was not comfortable, but then football rarely is when Haaland is involved. He finds a way to win, and he did it again here.
A Game That Had Everything
Marcus Pedersen opened the scoring for Norway inside the first 20 minutes, slotting home from a well-worked counter-attack. Senegal hit back through Ismaila Sarr — whose pace and directness caused problems throughout — and briefly threatened to take the game away from Norway. But Haaland had other ideas. His first goal, just after the hour mark, was quintessential Haaland: arriving at the right moment to tap home. His second was better, steering a volley off the crossbar from Patrick Berg's cross. Sarr pulled one back late to set up a tense finale, but Norway held on.
Haaland's World Cup Statement
Four goals in two games. For Haaland, who has waited his entire career for a World Cup, this tournament is his biggest stage and he is not wasting it. He has now scored in 12 straight competitive appearances for Norway. There was doubt before this tournament about whether he could perform at international level the way he does in the Champions League. He is answering that question loudly, one goal at a time.
Norway vs France: What Comes Next
The win books Norway a round-of-32 place, and they now face France in Boston on Friday. Haaland was predictably understated after the match: "They'll probably beat us," he said with a grin. Whether that is genuine modesty or clever mind games, nobody quite knows. What is clear is that Norway, with Haaland in this shape, are nobody's idea of an easy opponent.
Match facts: Norway 3-2 Senegal | 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I | Pedersen (18'), Haaland (62', 75'), Sarr (45', 88') | Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey | Haaland: 4 goals in 2 World Cup games
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