Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway edged Senegal 3-2 to secure a historic place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, while strengthening his bid for the Golden Boot.
Norway’s World Cup journey reached a historic milestone on Monday as Erling Haaland produced another clinical display, scoring twice in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal to send his nation into the knockout rounds for the first time since 1998.
The Manchester City striker continued his remarkable tournament form, taking his goal tally to four and emerging as one of the leading contenders for the Golden Boot. Haaland opened the scoring shortly after halftime when captain Martin Ødegaard delivered a perfectly timed assist, allowing the forward to break the deadlock in the 48th minute.
Haaland later added his second goal of the match to restore Norway’s two-goal advantage and put his side in control. Although Senegal mounted late pressure and reduced the deficit, Norway held firm to secure all three points.
Head coach Ståle Solbakken praised his star striker after the match, describing him as the world’s best center-forward despite missed opportunities that could have increased his tally even further. Solbakken noted that Haaland’s achievements are even more impressive given that he represents Norway rather than one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
The victory moves Norway to six points from two Group I matches, level with France but behind on goal difference. Both teams have already secured qualification for the last 32 ahead of their highly anticipated group-stage showdown.
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