June 23, 2026
Erling Haaland scored two goals in Norway's 3-2 win over Senegal on Monday, booking a place for his team in the knockout round in their first World Cup appearance for 28 years.
On a damp evening in New Jersey, Senegal -- widely seen as Africa's best hope at the World Cup -- began strongly but their defence ultimately failed to contain Norway's attack, and particularly the 25-year-old Haaland, who now has four goals in two matches at this World Cup.
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.
