The 'monster' Erling Haaland, on the verge of breaking records, explodes with back-to-back multi-goal performances... Norway defeats Senegal 3-2 and secures a spot in the World Cup Round of 32

*This content was translated by AI.

'Monster striker' Erling Haaland (26, Manchester City) scored multi-goals in two consecutive matches, leading Norway to the World Cup Round of 32.

On the 23rd (Korea time), Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup Group I, held at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.

Having defeated Iraq 4-1 in the first match, Norway secured back-to-back victories (6 points) with today's win. Although they finished second in the group behind France (6 points) due to a lower goal difference, they had already secured qualification for the Round of 32. Norway will face France on the 27th to compete for first place in the group.

The main hero of the victory was undoubtedly Haaland. After scoring two goals against Iraq, Haaland added two more against Senegal, showcasing his peak goal-scoring form. With four goals in the tournament, Haaland tied with Kylian Mbappé (France) for second place in the scoring standings. He is now just one goal behind the top scorer, Lionel Messi (Argentina, 5 goals).

Norway faced an early setback in the first half when right-back Julian Ryerson was injured in the 13th minute and replaced by Marcus Holmgren Pedersen. However, this substitution turned out to be a turning point for the Norwegian players.

The tense 0-0 deadlock was broken in the 43rd minute of the first half. Pedersen intercepted a mistake by Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly and scored the opening goal with a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area. It was his debut goal for the national team.

Haaland, who had some bad luck with the goalposts just before the end of the first half, started his scoring machine in the second half. In the 3rd minute of the second half, he received a pass from Martin Ødegaard and scored with a left-footed shot, shaking the net.

Senegal did not give up. In the 8th minute of the second half, Ismaila Sarr scored a consolation goal, igniting their comeback hopes.

But Norway had Haaland. In the 13th minute of the second half, Haaland received a pass from Patrick Berg and extended the lead with a right-footed non-stop shot.

Senegal, despite the misfortune of having their starting goalkeeper Édouard Mendy substituted due to injury, continued to fight back, with Sarr adding another goal in stoppage time. However, there was no further comeback, and the match ended with a victory for Norway.

Senegal, now on a two-match losing streak, must pin their hopes of advancing to the Round of 32 on their final match against Iraq.

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*This content was translated by AI.