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Erling Haaland continued his relentless goal streak at the World Cup after another double in just his second appearance in the tournament to guide Norway to a 3-2 win over Senegal and clinch a place in the knockout stage.
Haaland is propelling Norway into the status of dark horses, with his nation’s appearance in a knockout game for the first time in 28 years now secure.
While a showdown with Kylian Mbappe and France promises to be a titanic battle between two of the most lethal finishers in the game, with Group I at stake. Haaland now has four goals in the tournament, with Mbappe also on four after a double of his own to down Iraq, with the pair one behind Lionel Messi in the race for the golden boot after his spectacular performance in victory over Austria.
Back to matters in Group I, Norway would need to win the game in Boston, but Haaland showed France are poised to meet their first serious threat after a brace on a damp evening in New Jersey saw off Senegal.
The match tempo had a similar feel to Senegal’s first game, against France, with the African team competing strongly in the first half-hour frustrating their opponents and keeping Haaland off the ball.
As halftime approached, however, Senegal’s defence broke down. Norway’s first goal was from Marcus Pedersen, who came on as a substitute for the injured Julian Ryerson. Senegal captain, 35-year-old Kalidou Koulibaly, misjudged a clearance and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was unable to stop Pedersen’s shot.
The second half had hardly begun and Norway got a second, a classic assist from Martin Odegaard, who had fluffed an earlier opportunity of his own, allowed Haaland to rifle a shot into the top corner. Ten minutes later, Haaland struck again, volleying home off the crossbar.
Despite a litany of defensive errors, Senegal sometimes looked dangerous `on the counter-attack, with Ismaila Sarr getting two goals back, including one in stoppage time, but it was not enough.
Erling Haaland celebrates scoring against Senegal at the World Cup (AP)
After France beat Iraq 3-0, Group I is the first to have two teams secure their place in the final 32. The best Senegal can hope for is to squeeze through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Norway and France will battle it out to decide who tops the group on Friday. The jubilant Norwegians ended the game by taking part in a “Viking row” on the pitch, facing their fans. The stadium was dominated by the red jerseys of Norway, who have been entertaining New Yorkers in recent days with their mass rowing. Visa restrictions have prevented most Senegalese from entering the U.S., and there were far fewer of their fans in the stands.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms during the afternoon had led to shelter-in-place warnings and made travel difficult, and led the other Group I match in Philadelphia to be temporarily suspended.
Most fans who braved the weather donned ponchos in the outdoor stadium, although the rain eased off as play commenced.
Reuters contributed to this report
